Saturday night, and here goes the promised blog.
I got to my Airbnb on Friday afternoon (after getting lost for a bit—I’m really good at that.) It’s just a block from the Thames, so I got right down there (despite my time lagging brain) to greet the river, which, like the Seine in Paris, feels like it holds the whole spirit of  the place. Despite the grey skies and damp cool temps, so many people were wandering along the river path. I love that. And of course it is such a green green world. How I love the water and the trees and even the grey skies. Yes! Then I wandered the High Street looking for a grocery store and discovering the neighborhood. Lots of Asian restaurants of all kinds, but low on grocery stores! Being American (or from any country) leads to some wonderful conversations. Waitress in a local pub (which looks like it’s been there since Shakespeare) is from Lithuania. She talked about the extraordinary beauty of the place. I was intrigued because I think my grandfather emigrated from there. I felt so much 1love for everybody I passed.
By early evening, I was on the verge of hallucinating from lack of sleep, so sleep I did, at least for a little while.
Today, I was all excited to go to Westminster Abbey, but it was closed, alas. Then I thought I would try a couple of other places on my list, but they didn’t work out either. So, nothing to do but walk and  wander, which I love to do. Getting lost is actually a great way to learn a place.

Walked everywhere in the Westminster neighborhood. The Houses of Parliament are gorgeous and right on the river. You can feel how the weight of tradition and history is  inescapable and must effect everyone who works there and all the decision-making processes. Again, the total joy of walking along the Thames.
Then headed back West, mainly looking for food. Got off the tube and ended up walking all the way to Hyde Park, with a brief visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum—I wasn’t in the mood. But Hyde Park was pure bliss. How I love the grass and gardens, the lake, those big big trees that have been there for hundreds of years. I will definitely be back for more. Gardens are always my favorite places.   And again, despite the coolness and grey skies, so many people out walking among the trees. It’s wonderful.