Manor House

Wednesday - 1/27/10

I explored a new part of London today - quite a ways outside of Zone 1. I took the tube to Zone 3 - to Manor House tube stop where I went to view a flat. It was decidedly not for me and much advised to be only in the future suitable to persons who wish to live in the haze of years of stale smoke. I did not regret my trek to the place unknown, rather it was exciting to be outside the walls of the city. There happened to be a castle, dominating a city square, in the midst of the residential street - called Fleming Castle. How entirely unbelievable it is to gaze upon a bus-stop in one look, and in the next sweep of the eye, to see a centuries old castle, intact and undisturbed, occupying residence of a town, as if it were a grocery store or police station. The contrasts of old and new are everywhere.

Once back in the city, I was walking down Piccadilly street, a bit like a leaf blown about by the winds and disoriented in the swirling masses of people. I was jostled here and there, my step not quick enough for the impatience of the business-focused. Until I came to stop in front of a large store-window. I had passed this beacon many times and had never seen it before...Waterstone's. The columns stood tall and the flags waved exuberantly, a fortress of stone, a haven for the unenlightened - it was....a bookstore! Ha! And an incredible one at that. Five luxurious stories of books, row upon row of scintillating titles and creative words. I walked in my gleeful stupor, touching every book atop the tables, running my hand over the glossy covers, stopping randomly to pick one up and turn it over. I was consumed by sheer delight. Authors I'd never heard before, books I'd never seen - tables of tales that beckoned to entrance one on an entertaining journey. I could actually feel my spine tingle. The pulsing in my veins was energizing...I was held quite captive in this wonderful place.

I eventually made my way to the 6th floor where the 5th View (restaurant, bar, and lounge) is located. I enjoyed a delicious lunch seated by the window - overlooking the rooftops and into the distance over London. It was brilliant. As was my roasted red pepper soup and ploughman's salad. Being so content in this space, I even enjoyed dessert (lemon tart) and tea.

After convincing myself to leave, knowing a return is inevitable, I walked into Fortnum and Mason's - the Queen's appointed place of shopping. This place has quite a history and its elegance is unsurpassed in any other store. Ornate chandeliers, plush carpets, decorative wall coverings...quality is the order of the day. I watched the royal servant-like workers weigh tea to be purchased and stack cakes in glass containers - aside from the many floors of material goods, they also have a confectionary/shop to buys sweets and teas.

I attempted to gain entrance to the Royal Academy of Arts, the current exhibit is Van Gogh - but it was quite crowded and an hour wait in the queue did not excite me...left for another day. I will look forward to seeing it.