Wednesday 27 August 2008

Cavorting in the Capital

Well, we abandoned our camping holiday in Devon... after two weeks of solid rain in Ireland the year before last, we're strictly fair weather campers.

So, instead we headed to London for a sight-seeing bonanza. I am luck enough to have two sisters-in-law who live in the metropolis, so accomodation was no problem.

On Saturday we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum. This was top of my list as I was dying to see the new jewellery exhibition. I wasn't disappointed. 3,500 pieces of jewellery covering over 2000 years. To stand not six inches away from jewellery worn by Elizabeth I. So exciting. BUT, my very favourite pieces were in the Art Nouveau section - two absolutely stunning Lalique items. They were SO beautiful I just stood there with tears running down my cheeks... in fact, I'm welling up just thinking about them. If you are in the area, please do go and see the jewellery gallery (entry is FREE!), you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, we went to the Tower of London. More jewels! Although I have to say I found the crown jewels a little gaudy for my taste. It's the mixing of colours and stones. My favourite of the ones on display is Queen Victoria's 'small crown' which is a delicate dome studded with 1,300 diamonds. We were going to the London Dungeon after that, but the tickets were so expensive we decided against it.

Monday saw us the Doctor Who exhibition at Earl's Court. Here's Martha (our big Dr Who fan) with Brian and the Face of Boe.
And the stone angels, from the Blink episode which I think was the scariest one for a long time!
After that we went to the Natural History museum.

Tuesday, we did St Paul's Cathedral and the Museum of London.

Wednesday morning I did a quick flit to the Bead Shop in Covent Garden and then we came home, so we could be back in time for Tom to get his GCSE results (see below). By Friday I had this terrible cold and cough and still feel lousy.

An exhausting but most enjoyable holiday. Here's hoping we get a summer next year and we can get the tent out again!!

3 comments:

Alison's Bakery said...

Looks like you had a fabulous time in the capital, Lesley! We were brave and still went on our camping trip to Devon, wasn't too bad!!

Kebo Jewellery said...

Wow, sounds like you certainly got around London and had a good time sightseeing. I live in it and don't think I have ever done everything that you did!!

Sorry to hear you have been poorly, I hope you are better now?

Also, just read about your son, Tom. Wow wow wow, he must be over the moon.

Kelly
x

Coburg Crafts said...

That's always the way, Kelly, isn't it? We never take full advantage of our home town's attractions.

And yes, thanks, feeling a bit better this week.