Friday, March 25, 2011. I basically finished ALL of St. James and Mayfair. In one day. This day will live down in infamy.
The day started off with me dropping off my friend Kayla at Paddington Station so she could head back to the States. It was only 10am, and the sun was out, it was 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and there was a nice breeze. What better day to walk around London?
So this is exactly what I did. Not only did I save a tube fare back to Waterloo, but I checked eighteen- yes, EIGHTEEN things off my list of things to do in London. On my list of 212 things to do, that is 8.5% I completed... in ONE DAY!
I like to think of this as my day of "squares". I saw SIX town squares today, and two parks.
Instead of boring you and making you read forever about all the things I saw in detail, I'll make a list, and include anything memorable from the time I spent at this area. No pictures either. Besides the amazing fish and chips I had. And the spotted dick and custard. Yes, I finally had some. And was pleasantly surprised.
So here it goes.... after I left Paddington, I did the following:
- Selfridges, the famous department store. Here, you can actually find peanut butter. (not that I care, but I have friends that do) Only problem? It is £6 a jar. So that is roughly $8.40 a jar. Highway robbery. Also, you can find Aunt Jemima maple syrup for £8.
- Grosvenor Square, home of statue of FDR, a memorial to the victims of 9/11, and the American Embassy. Yay America!
- Berkely Square, surrounded by some of the most expensive car dealerships and high end designers.
- St. George's Gardens, a lovely little garden area where palm trees are abundant, and ball games are not allowed (Really- they had a sign). Also referred to as the Mount Street Gardens.
- Hanover Square, a pretty little square near the homes of Jimi Hendrix and George Handel, who would have been neighbors if they lived at the same time.
- Handel House Museum
- St George's Church, where George Handel worshipped.
- Manchester Square, next to the
- Wallace Collection, which me and Adam tried to find when he was here, but my map had it in the wrong place. But I found it today! It is a GORGEOUS mansion that is filled with paintings.
- Bond Street, home of the high end designers.
- Mount Street, home of more high end designers.
- Bruton Street, home of high end car dealers, like Rolls Royce and Bentley, as well as Porche and many other names I don't remember, but I know Adam got excited when he heard that they were there.
- Conduit Street, home of even more high end designers.
- Savile Row, home of the most exclusive suit tailors in London.
- St. James's Square, surrounded by homes of the rich and important.
- London Library, YAY BOOKS!
- White Cube Gallery, home of some weird modern art. And I've been to the Tate.
For my 18th item off my list, I stopped at The Golden Hind for lunch. My guidebook promised me that this is where I could get the best fish and chips in London. It is right near Regent's Park (aka FAR north for me).
Not only were these definitely the best fish and chips I have had in London, but they were also the cheapest! It was only £3.70 for fried cod, £0.90 for a side of chips, and £1 for a side of mushy peas. That means that the total for this meal was £5.60. SO MUCH CHEAPER (and better) than Fishcotheque!
I was so impressed, and had a little room to spare, so I looked at the dessert menu. And they had spotted dick in custard. Although people make fun of this for obvious reasons, I knew I had to try some- it is a traditional British dessert. Now, I am not usually a fan of custard. But I had to have it.
And you know what? I LOVED IT! Make that almost 80 days without a bad bite of food! Spotted dick and custard is basically a small fruitcake surrounded by piping hot custard. I am so surprised I liked it! From now on, whenever it is offered on the menu, I am getting it- no matter how full I am.
Originally the fruitcake part was covered by custard... I cleared some custard away before snapping this photo.
Until next time, cheers!
x
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