Tuesday was journey number 2 to Kew Gardens. I am so happy there. I wonder why I bother with anywhere else! This was a solo journey, so I could wander in silence and be more completely present to the treasures that are there. I was having a kind of mad love affair with the trees. So much joy and fulfillment. Yesterday more time with my dear friend Eleanor and another, Light-filled visit to St.Bartholomew’s. What a magical place. Today, Hampton Court, the beautiful palace and gardens that Henry VIII built for Anne Boleyn. . .before he beheaded her. What an incomprehensible and terrible piece of history, and yet a period that has grabbed my attention and fascination since I first heard about it many years ago. Mostly idyllic weather. . .

 A beautiful long walk yesterday across the Hammersmith Bridge, down the Thames Path (effulgent greenness—I love it!) and to a magnificently restored wetlands, which is also a wild bird sanctuary. Such deep silence and magnificent land, multiple ecosystems, from reedy marshes to dense forest to lagoons and ponds, all inhabited by many different families of birds. It’s a miraculous restoration. A blissful day. 

 Yesterday I got to visit a place I have long wanted to see-Blenheim Palace near Oxford. Besides being spectacular in its own right, it’s the birthplace of Winston Churchill, a great hero of mine. The architecture is beautiful, vast yet serene, rather than overwhelming. Simple and complex at the same time, windows everywhere. Built for lovers of light. But the landscaping and gardens and views were the most impressive.  Beauty everywhere you looked, in all directions, extending forever into the horizon. Mazes, lakes, ponds, sculpted greenery and massive  ancient trees. I was able to visit with wonderful friends, and later to meet up with yet more old friends in the charming village of Woodstock. A rainy day today and the local Tube line was down, so I took one of my favorite walks along the Thames to get to another branch of the Tube to visit the National Portrait Gallery. So many fascinating beings in the history of the UK and it’s great fun to see their portraits and read their stories. But best part of the day was definitely the Thames and the light on the water.

 If I don’t keep up, I forget what I have done! Three days seem to be the max. Especially since I keep changing my plans according to the whims of the weather gods and my own whims. Tuesday, wandered around a lovely part of London where the lawyers and law courts dwell. Green and peaceful (especially considering what goes on there). Feels like a place that fosters deep and clear thought, despite the pressures. Full of ancient but well-refurbished buildings housing the various law firms for hundreds of years. Definite highlight of the day was a visit to St. Bartholomew’s Church, built in 1123 and in continuous use since then. It survived both wars (including the Blitz) and is said to be the only place in London where Mary made a visitation. A most beautiful and sacred environment, having enjoyed the blessings of a thousand years of prayers. Loved meditating there.

After arriving on Friday afternoon, I went right down to the Thames and said hi and offered deep gratitude. Tho only here 3 days, I have managed  to dwell in my 2 favorite London Gardens: Chiswick House and Kew Gardens. Everything about the landscape nourishes me deeply and fills me with a profound sense of perfection. Truly, I would not change a leaf. Was joined in joy at Kew today by old and dear friend Mary Weiss and her partner Bill. Loved seeing them. Perfect weather. Tomorrow rain, so I will do something in town.

 

 Test run 2024

 Last day: Time with good friends. . .and the River Thames