Europe Trip 2023

A big day. Spent the morning around Covent Garden markets for coffee and a cookie. Explored the knooks and crannies including toy shops, tea and crochet designs upon post boxes. Then saw the pelicans brought by a Russian royal to St James’ Park and wandered down The Mall, past the grand Old Duke of York atop the column, and finally Buckingham Palace. As expected, it was seriously busy in front of the adorned gates - the Duke’s 10,000 men perhaps? Almost more in awe of the planting and decoration in front of the palace then the palace itself, but it was fun to see the guards and the balcony in person. Also amazing to see Wellington Arch as I’d just listened to a podcast about it’s many movements (how did they move it, it’s so huge!). Then passing Go to Mayfair; dark royal blue and as expensive as expected. We got a fresh poke bowl as we were anxious for lunch after so much walking and then walked through Berkeley Square where I listened for birdsong just in case. We overhead live jazz near Hyde Park, eyed the silver spoons and dishes at Harrods before taking a double decker and tube towards our dinner booking at Shack-Fuyu. The most amazing pre-theatre meal here based on the many times it comes up on the Off Menu podcast, and somehow exceeded expectations (the matcha soft serve with French toast, and miso aubergine 😍). Then to the 29,237th show of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at St Martins Theatre, 70 years and still running. 70 years is plenty of time to get it right, and get it right they did. The scream of the actor finding the dead body was everything I could have hoped. 5 star show to end a very long day.Les mer