London. Flashing past my eyes. There are SO MANY people here, throngs, crowds, many, many different languages, different modes of dress, different foods and and so much sound and light and colour. I am SO happy to be back in the big city. I feel invigorated by this huge collection of peoples.
Thank you so much to our first three wonderful guest writers. You did a great job holding the fort while I was out of range. There will be a few more guest writers before this adventure is over.
Yesterday I landed at London Heathrow airport after an uneventful flight in a half full plane where I was able to stretch out across three seats and sleep all the way to London, (that has not happened to me since the 90’s).
I took the tube into town and decided not to look at any of the signage and rely totally on Feet Memory to get me all the way from Heathrow out to Islington. And it worked perfectly. I have not been to London in ten years or so but my feet and hands remembered every turn, expected every staircase, made every train and it felt a little like coming home. I was totally at ease. No fear of failure this time.
Then I got caught up with people and shopping and mooching about – drinking good coffee, a few wines, popping up and down into the underground like an inquisitive mole towing my tiny wheelie bag behind me = sitting in cafes looking out the window – slowly lifting up out of my prairie bubble. Poor Camera House was left sulking in the bottom of my bag until later in the afternoon – forgotton as I traveled through the underground towards my old friends London home for the next few nights. 
Today I am off out into the city again for some more gadding about. Camera House will have a prominent role to play today.
By tomorrow I am sure I will have more to show you and more to tell you about.
For now – look out the window of the cafes with me. Watch the people for a minute. It is almost meditative.
I will be back tomorrow to show you the real Day One of our London Outing.
Love celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
56 responses to “Good morning – LONDON”
I haven’t seen London since 1989. She still looks lovely to me! The husband and I are taking the family on one last family trip before our sons fly the nest as soon as the old house sells, destination: England, Scotland, and hopefully, Wales. Your photos and stories are adding to my excitement; can’t wait to see and hear more! Have a wonderful trip, Celi!
Great candid photos! Perhaps one day this farm girl will make her way to London. Enjoy yourself immensely, Celi! 🙂
I love how places that make a big impact on us can trigger all the memories we need, yet (in my case anyway) I often cannot remember some little incidental needed item walking from one side of the house to the other 😉
Enjoy!😊
Oh, I know that memory thing. Went to Maine for the first time in 6 years – and I knew exactly where everything was…… And I had to, as hubby got sick and was not able to help me. Horrible trip, but it was nice to not have fear along for the errands I made alone.
I so want to visit London!
It’s wonderful you remember the way, because I am sure there are lots of changes!
I know EXACTLY what you mean about being invigorated by being in a big city… with all the people, the sights, the smells and all that ‘movement’ flowing like a river in front of our eyes. And, as I’ve told you, that’s why I decided to sell this wonderful farmhouse – so I could get back out there!!
; o )
So happy you are on terra firma and loving the urban vibe! Look forward to seeing your photos. x
I hope you have a great time (and that the weather treats you nicely)! Looking forward to more photos. 🙂
Wow! The photos are just so exciting and lively and busy. I hope you have a fabulous time–I wish your fellowship could meet you in a lovely cafe for hugs galore!
Looking forward to your photos! Have fun!
Have a fab time. I love London and try to get up there most weekends with friends or to visit my daughters who live in South London, near Borough market. You should try to have lunch in the Shard, or just a drink. Oblix is nice and relaxed, and Southwark cathedral is interesting.
Ah, a great shot of a red bus! I am in London on the 8th and 9th, going to the Hockney exhibition and to a poetry event (and like you, seeing friends!) So much to do! I think the weather will be cold but dry, so good for your vigorous walking! Have a very good and refreshing time! Look forward to more of London through your eyes! Do look out for cormorants on the Thames! They can be spectacular! Very best wishes, Alison (Brackenbury)
Feels a little strange to be viewing pictures of London. But love how your journey is being told via these pages.
What fun, I hope you have a wonderful time.