First stop in London – Chelsea, to spend the weekend with friends who had recently relocated to the UK for work. They had a lovely apartment in Chelsea. Despite the drizzle (after all this is London!), we walked to the Saturday market in the Duke of York Square to bring home lunch.
What a great food market with lots of choices from quiche to falafel to lentil soup to pizza. The desserts were amazing, so of course, we had to buy a few different types of cake to try!
The weather began to improve by mid afternoon so we strolled along the Thames River. As we approached the Battersea Bridge, the sun broke through the clouds beautifully illuminating the bridge and the boats anchored beneath it.
The next day was a picture perfect spring day – blue skies, wispy clouds and a soft breeze. Everything was in bloom – trees with their delicate white, pink and purple buds, flowers – tulips, impatiens, lilies, daffodils showing a first burst of color. We took a brisk walk to Hyde Park.
Walking along the lake, we saw many types of birds swimming and foraging for food at the water’s edge. Groups of swans clustered near shore as people threw bread crumbs and suet to them. The path was crowded with walkers, runners, parents pushing strollers, small children on scooters and an occasional cyclist. This was spring at its best!
We walked to the Memorial Fountain commemorating Diana, Princess of Wales, killed in 1977 in a car accident. The fountain, constructed in 2004, symbolizes Diana’s life. Water flows from the highest point in two directions; it swirls and cascades down the channel until meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. Three bridges crossing the pool to the fountain’s center represent Diana’s openness. The memorial is a popular spot for people to sit quietly to read and reflect.
We continued walking into Kensington Gardens, enjoying the water, wildlife and blooming foliage. We ate breakfast in an outdoor cafe near the water, then circled back through Hype Park into Chelsea.
Casually window shopping, we eventually made our way through the upscale shopping district back to my friends’ apartment in Chelsea. Before too long, it was time for me to catch an Uber to my next destination, Pax Lodge – the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Center in Hampstead, London.
