Bookworm’s first day in London

We finally got to London late last night after an epic journey that saw us traveling to Paris and Milan before finally reaching London. The price of cheap tickets is a 26 hour trip to London. We arrived in one piece, although my son’s luggage seems to have struck out for independence and vanished. So he gets a new wardrobe, which is inconvenient, but not the end of the world either.

We spent an unstructured day today, because were too disorganized and jet lagged to use our time well. At my daughter’s request, we went to Harrods, which is a triumph to conspicuous consumption and bad taste. It was heavily populated with Saudis. A sales clerk told us that they escape the desert heat and live (and shop) in London during the summer months. I was happy to leave the store. I’m not a “stuff” person, and find big stores overwhelming.

From there, we just tootled around. The best moment was when we arrived at Buckingham Palace just as people were lining up for one of the Queen’s garden parties. We got to see hundreds of Britishers, from all walks of life, dressed up in their British best:  military, clergy, local politicians (mayors, etc.), all in the uniforms, robes of office, formal wear and garden dresses. It was quite the show. At the end, a bus rolled into the courtyard and disgorged about 20 Yeoman of the Guards, who all marched in nice formation into the palace.  Very cool. Very British.

We walked through the Belgrave district, which is exquisite — a perfectly preserved, very English, very Georgian gem. In Mozart’s time, it was the countryside and, when his father worked in London, a sickly little Mozart was sent there to improve his health.

We ended up at the Houses of Parliament, but arrived too late to get into Westminster Abbey. I can’t wait to show that 900 year old cathedral to my children.

And that is all. I’m going to bed early, in the hope that I can shake off this jet lag.