Yesterday, I celebrated the birthday of my wonderful friend Eleanor. We went to her 2 favorite eating places—the second being Fortnum's, which makes an impressive ice cream sundae. Plus enjoyed another beautiful meditation at the ancient and deeply silent St. Bartholomew’s. The last day of my journey was spent, most perfectly, at Kew. A cool and cloudy day. Everything felt so damp and lush and rich and thickly green. The trees fill me with so much joy! I feel like I could disappear into/merge with all of them. And the smells were vivid and amazing. Home tomorrow.

 The beautiful river Seine. It’s a fortunate thing to have a mighty and peace-giving  river flowing through the heart of a city.

Last day in Paris: A walk to Luxembourg Gardens and a visit with the circle of ancient  queens. I am very fond  of them.

 Today I made a pilgrimage to the Cluny museum to see the amazing lady and the unicorn tapestries. I have always loved them and they did not disappoint this time either. Sat with them for long time.

 Mysteriously, I seem to be in Paris. It feels familiar and yet totally unfamiliar. I guess 11 years is a long time to be gone. Since my sense of direction is pretty terrible, I’m trying to use visual memory (and the Metro map) which sometimes works brilliantly, and sometimes not so much. I am staying on one of Paris’ many many narrow winding streets. However it reaches the Seine, so that is very helpful.  Can’t really miss the Seine. Yesterday was about getting here via Eurostar, the train that runs under the channel. Super comfortable and fast and easy. But Paris is intense, in a way I did not find London to be. Yesterday after arrival, was mainly about exploring and getting lost. Today, I made my way up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, with its amazing view of the roofs of Paris, The journey from the Metro stop to street level involved 7 long flights of stairs and then a continued journey upward to the top of the city. I passed by the warren of studios, where Picasso and other famous artists lived and painted. They had wild and wonderful lives—in addition to being masters of painting, they definitely knew how to have a good time! And then finally to Sacre Coeur.   The usual, heavily-crowded and crazy scene outside the cathedral and all the way down the steps that lead to it was there. But inside the cathedral only deep silence. Had a most beautiful and transforming meditation. I also noticed that all the sadness from WWII that had lingered there for a long time was gone. 

Photos below: one of he most beautiful streets in the world winding down from the cathedral, and my favorite grove of trees in Kew Gardens—a sacred circle of Himalayan birch trees.

 Took another long walk down the Thames Path. It is absolutely fantastic that the city of London has made it possible to take beautiful walks all along the river on both sides. I am impressed and grateful, great fan of the Thames that I am. On Friday, I took an hours walk along the river to Fulham Palace, another magical green oasis in the midst of London. Thirteen acres of large and ancient trees and an exquisite walled garden. I have developed such a love for walled gardens! The next day back to Kew to meet a very dear old friend from Reed College and his wife. He teaches at Essex College for a month every year, so we were able to get together after at least 40 years—last year and this. As with all good friends, it always feels like almost no time has passed. And it is perfect to share Kew with them—many hours of walking and chatting and wandering among the trees and gardens. Kew was super decked out for Halloween—giant spiders and webs, ghosts, skeletons, etc. It was fun! I have grown delightfully attached to doing huge amounts of walking every day. It will feel strange not to do that when I’m home.

 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.