London is known by most people as one of the most populated cities in Europe, housing the royal family, of course, Big Ben and miles of double decker red buses. But what many people do not know is that London is also the city that has the most acres of greenery and nature – or so we were told. But Laura and I were still yet to see all this greenery having been caught up in the busy hustle and bustle of the city. So this morning we woke up and decided to trade our high heels for our sneakers to see just what all the fuss was about at the beautiful Reagent Park.
After packing in some Special K, a morning staple if I do say so myself, we bundled up (it is so chilly here) and headed out into the cloudy morning ready for a true Jenny and Laura walk. We took the tube to Regeant Park, got off and journeyed into the inner loop, which also houses the Queen’s Royal Rose Garden. There are no words to express what a breathtaking sight it is. A mile loop surrounded by the most exquisite and eclectic groupings of long stemmed roses – every color you could imagine. There were also ponds with sweet ducks, a waterfall and a stunning mermaid fountain. The further we walked – passing a cute café tucked off to one side (horribly over-priced, but ornate and convenient), patterned lounge chairs and a boating dock – the more fortunate we felt to be living in a city that offered both the shopping, eateries and excitement of a metropolitan madhouse AND a peaceful and restorative escape from it all. We loved exploring and felt revitalized knowing we had a place to go if ever the city became overwhelming.
As we were walking, we also came across the Open Air Amphitheater – an outdoor theater in the park that staged seasonal shows – now playing, “Gigi” a cheeky musical set in Paris, France. Laura and I thought the venue was adorable, and upon realizing the show only played for two more nights, we inquired about student discounts and decided to attend tonight’s 8 pm performance.
Excited about our discovery, we came home and met up with Andrea and got ready for our day. We planned to sight see Embankment and Trafalgar Square, and then take the tube back to Reagent Park to see the show. We got ready and off we went. First stop, Embankment.
Before she left for London, Andrea’s parents gave her these walking tour pull cards, and so we pulled the one for Embankment and followed where it led. It first took us to a really pretty park where we sat in the sunlight (yes it was SUNNY!) on these nice benches and took in the quiet calm. The walking tour then wrapped us around into side streets to point out unique café’s where we stumbled upon the most delicious gelato (served to us by a really cute guy who convinced me to get the strawberry, which was an amazing choice) and scoped out new places to eat in the future (there is one café called Gordon’s that takes you underground and is like a cave with tables tucked into rocks with dim lighting – so cool!). The tour also pointed out significant monuments and eventually led us to Trafalgar Square, which is where the National Art Gallery and the Trafalgar Fountain (with the big Lions around it) sit. This is the center point for classic London. Big Ben stands in the distance, as well as the London tower, and red double decker buses circle the streets. We took tons of pictures (they are now on my computer, next step, getting them online… they are coming, I promise J ) and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL WEATHER! Come 1 pm, the sun was shining through a blue sky, the temperature was just right and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.
After exploring the area more, getting a bit lost, but all the while embracing our surroundings, we went to Covent Garden, which was just a tube stop away. Being there reminded me so much of Las Vegas (Really Las Vegas should remind me of Covent Garden because it is definitely mimicking these European markets) because there were street performers everywhere (including those people who look like statues, but then they move) and it was full of people. Covent Garden is not actually a garden (like I had thought… oops!), but rather a market that is packed with tourists and shoppers. We walked around the cobblestone streets, watched some crazy street performers balance bicycles on their heads, and then settled into an Italian restaurant called Ponti’s. It was reasonably priced and we sat outside to take advantage of every ray of sunshine. We had a delicious meal and after having some mathematical challenges dividing the check, decided to head back toward the park to go see the performance of “Gigi.”
Once we got back to the park, it started to rain. So, we hurriedly bought our tickets in hopes it would eventually stop, and stayed dry in the park café where we sat for about an hour reading the newspapers we took from the tube. Finally the rain stopped and the sun came back out (yay!) but then shortly after, set. But as the sun dropped so did the temperature….a reality we did not plan for.
At 7:30pm we headed for the actual theater, which was SO BEAUTIFUL! Surrounding the venue was a whole outdoor area and all the willowing trees were wrapped with lights surrounding this huge bar and buffet and areas with picnic tables where tons of people were gathered all in anticipation for the show to begin. At 7:45pm we headed for our seats, which were wet from the rain.. and they were cloth, so it was all absorbed and damp. We laid out some newspapers like homeless people, totally unprepared unlike the many who toted in blankets and seat cushions, and froze our butts off for the entirety of the 2 ½ hour show. BUT, the upside is, the show was delightful – it had the charm of Hello Dolly and the costumes and colors of Beauty and the Beast. It was a very sweet love story set in 1901 and the talent, choreography and music was superb. So yes, we were cold, but we smiled through the shivers knowing we were experiencing the musical end to a perfect day.
After the show, we rushed onto the tube, which was all toasty and warm underground, and then headed home. I got all bundled up, checked my mail, talked to my Dad (well, tried, we ran into some connection issues, but it was just good to hear his voice) and then sat down to live it all again in my attempt to share it with you.
The best part of the day was hands down, the roses. Even when it rained just before the show, they were still so beautiful. I guess now I can see that Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music most certainly got it right - raindrops on roses is without question a memory to cherish.
Love and hugs,
Jenny
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