London Tastes and Teas

Finally, made it to London. It took some doing as the Eurostar (chunnel) was booked. So, we had an adventure on the ferry from Calais to Dover. This is no easy undertaking as it means a train from Paris to Calais, two buses to the ferry. When you are finally aboard, it is relaxing until the buses of teens on holiday invade the lounges and decks. There is nothing but non-stop noise until you spot the white cliffs.

When I see the white cliffs of Dover, I remember tales of the flyers during the war that were so happy to see them after bombing missions over France and Germany. Their legs practically frozen and their little planes limping home, the cliffs looked like a beacon shining in the sun. I found the people in Dover very friendly and helpful.

After you arrive at the port, you must then take a bus to the center of the village and walk a few blocks to the train station. Friendly souls will help you find your way as it is not marked. Then you can board a little train for London. You arrive at Victoria station. The station looks so much more romantic in the movies. You can easily get a taxi at the curb. Now, here's the trick. You can bargain with the cab drivers for your fare to your hotel. We were told in Dover, that there are prices for Londoners and prices for foreigners. This is true and we just offered the driver what we had and struck a bargain.

We took a local bus to the Victoria and Albert Museum. One can easily spend a week at this one museum. We chose to limit our visit to the quilt exhibition, the jewelry and the pottery. The quilt exhibit was very well done. Especially touching, were the quilts from prisoners. There is a precious friendship quilt made by children prisoners during the war. They used little scraps of their dresses for the fabric and hid in a corner of the exercize yard but were finally discovered. They embroidered their names in some of the blocks. Just heart breaking.

Now, the jewelry is absolutely overwhelming. So much history and wealth displayed in very informative cases. There are two floors and I think there is something for everyone. Especially interesting are the pieces made with human hair located in the center of the floor in drawers.

We had a fine lunch and pot of Earl Grey in the tea room. Sit inside by the fireplace if you can and marvel at the decoration. I enjoyed a very flaky pot pie and had a wonderful conversation with an architectural professor. He is restoring a model of the Catholic Cathedral in London. We exchanged stories of Cordoba.

Finally, we found the ceramic wing. It is a real learning experience. It takes you through the many methods of creating china. There are beautiful pieces and I particularly enjoyed the teapots.

Now, if you go behind the museum of Natural History, next door and walk to Kensington Garden. Enter at the Alexandria Gate and not the little lodge with the lush garden. This was a small tea room built for Queen Victoria's princesses. They couldn't take tea in a public tea room, so this little lodge served them on their walks.

If you visit Kensington Palace, you can take advantage of the interesting exhibit which is very charming and interactive. You hunt for the princesses in Victoria's apartments. This is very clever and the work of a group of talented artists. I enjoyed it very much and I noticed quite a few children really wrapped up in the hunt. It took a full hour.

After, your hunt for the princesses ends, you can enjoy an afternoon tea at the Orangerie. I had a delicious pot of Indian Breakfast tea. The scones were light and warm and the sandwiches were varied. The desserts were creamy and fresh with just the right amount of tart and sweet. I found the staff charming and would love to come again.