I Need a Kip, I'm Knackered...

Leaves a lot to the imagination doesn't it...Well, I will quickly put your minds at ease, it means, "I need a nap, I'm tired." British slang is fantastic, don't you agree? I am feeling a bit tired, but nothing I can't handle. It seems that my mind is so inspired by the energy of London, it doesn't always want to turn off at night - nor do I want to put down my Kindle. Friday was a lovely grey, misty, drizzly sort of day where umbrellas were on parade and few people about. I thought Kensington Gardens especially beautiful in the rain, and I braved the weather. I did some writing for the majority of the afternoon/evening, and then headed back to the park for a twilight stroll - actually it was closer to midnight. I stayed close to the still bustling Park Lane and watched a throng of party-goers in Black Tie take a break outside "The Ballroom" - very high society.

Saturday held more promise in terms of the weather. I enjoyed a more relaxing jaunt through the city and a stop for groceries and a much-needed hair dryer. It's bright bubble-gum pink by the way. Saturday evening, I thought I'd try out the local pub, The Sussex Arms. It has as lively an atmosphere inside as outside, where the locals blend with the tourists (due to the many small hotels nearby). I was thoroughly entertained by a group of rowdy men from Manchester, getting loud with a small pack from Australia, who were teasing a reserved group from Sweden. I enjoyed my Strongbow and the nightly show.

Today has been a beautiful Sunday...the way Sundays were always meant to be but never knew how. The sun was shining. Speaker's Corner was jamming. The birds were everywhere. As well as the joggers and the dogs, and the people. And despite the cool temperature, people meandered. Art was showcased along the busy streets, vendors waiting to grab people going in or out of the park. Some of it was actually beautiful. Being thoroughly familiar with Hyde park, there's an area that doesn't garner much attention due to the season - The Rose Garden. This is a place that makes you feel like you're standing inside the walls of "The Secret Garden" - I imagine that the brilliance of it in the spring and summer months, is overwhelming. In the rose garden, the traditional English style prevails and there are a multitude of little pathways and circular hideaways that showcase a fountain in each center point. There are archways to walk under that are constructed of the braided vines of trees, and an arched tunnel that, in the summer, will shower down vines of roses to the guests of the garden below. It's a place filled with magic. And today - I found some in action. I was one of the few, walking these paths, and I happened across a solitary rose bush, already in bloom. It stood undisturbed in all its glory - in the middle of January, in the middle of the naked gardens, pink roses blossomed off of the prickly vines, as if in defiance, in rebellion - of the weather. Lovely.

I spent the lunch hour at The Serpentine Bar and Grill, which overlooks the river. I ate my lunch of pesto panini and spicy tomato soup, outside on the patio - in solidarity of defiance, with the rose bush. I then made my way to the Dorchester Hotel - on Park Lane. It is the crown jewel of hotels in London - its prestigious address overlooks Hyde Park, and it's guests include the famous of the silver screen. Only the best of the best stay here. I thought I'd get a glimpse. It's everything luxurious and lovely inside. Incredibly huge (6 foot) urns hold fresh flower art pieces that stand 5 feet into the air - today's theme was yellow, with roses and lilies galore. I enjoyed tea in their central tea room and watched for a glimpse of a celebrity. It was very cozy.

This evening held another new experience - I attended Evensong at St. James's Church in Sussex Gardens (two blocks from my flat). The church is old, built in the 1800's, by a well-known architect buried in Westminster Abbey. This is the church where Oscar Wilde was married 126 years ago. The stained-glass was lovely, the cathedral ceilings tall, and the stone floors worn and smooth. There were perhaps 15 people present for the evening service and a five-person choir sang the entire program. It was amazingly simple and beautiful, with two readings (from the bible) and another reading from a religious book about the lives of the apostles. The music was unbelievable - they sang 'a cappella" except when the pipe organ partook, and the acoustics were fantastic. It was like a personal concert. Although strictly traditional to the Church of England - "God Save the Queen" - it was delightful to be a part of the community for this evening.

Now dinnertime - another ethnic cuisine diversion. Tonight's exploration is Moroccan Tagine over rice. The ingredients profess chickpeas, aubergine, apricot, aromatic spices, tomatoes, and butternut squash. Hmmm... I'll make sure to save some chocolate for dessert, just in case. And, regardless - chocolate seems like a good end to a nice day.