London Day 2

What is the definition of raw panic? Raw was my state of undress; panic was my response when the hotel fire alarm pierced the air! A myriad of thoughts scrambled my head - get dressed, out, passport, money, shoes, out, where's Phil, iPad, out, laptop, coat, camera, out, out, out! False alarm!

What is the definition of embarrassment? It's when one is using a public toilet, a round English model, and without warning and much to the amusement of onlookers, the door opens onto Portobello Road! A woman waiting next in line reacted with, 'now I am afraid!' I wasn't sure if she meant she was afraid of Phil or afraid of taking a chance with a possible repeat of the door malfunction! Poor Phil. He took the incident in his stride. That was difficult given that  at the time they were around his ankles! No photos. It was a fire alarm moment. The last thing I thought of was the camera!

Portobello Market, comprising mostly antique traders, was interesting & an experience I would have relished visiting during the years I was an avid collector of all things old.

If the crush we experienced during & after boarding the train at Notting Hill Gate was indicative of the crowds that will devour London during the Olympic Games, then the public transport system will be surely tested. Commuters who boarded the train as strangers, parted company after being up close & personal for the journey to South Kensington. An uncomfortable experience & one I was pleased to leave for others to endure.

The Tower of London's history was presented as street theatre. Yoeman Warders, otherwise known as Beefeaters, regaled tales about the Tower's intrigue, imprisonments, executions & torture during times past. The castle, founded by William the Conqueror in 1078, was the original seat of the English Monarchy. Nearby, All Hallows Church is the oldest church in London & predates the Tower by 300 years. The elevated ramparts provided a vantage point to view & photograph the Tower Bridge. We plan to return on Monday to view the exhibition housed there.

 

The Crown Jewels were impressive. They have been displayed in the Tower of London since the 17th century. It was a day for displaying the family jewels it seems!

Next stop was Somerset House, The Strand to visit the Courtauld Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Rubens, Botticelli, Manet, Cezanne, Renoir, Monet, Gauguin & Van Gogh's self portrait.


Discovering London has been like a return to the Monopoly board. Streets & stations visited all those years ago have become a reality.