Last day of March, 2012

Well, the day was glorious despite the autumnal weather--crisp, brisk and chilly. The Brits do engage in whimsey, and there is a 2012 Easter Egg Hunt that drew my attention a couple weeks ago with 2-3 foot designer eggs displayed here and there around town.  Here is note on the charity event.

The grand prize for finding all 200 eggs (and texting in) is a gold faberge egg worth 100000 British Pound Sterling.  So, with our paper submitted to the Journal Editor, I was free for the day and set out to find as many eggs as I could.
I started in Covent Garden to buy coffee and found two eggs.

Plus, got a great cuppa coffee.

Egg 2 from other side

I remembered seeing eggs in  Green Park last week, so I surmised that a walk from Lanceister Gate in Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace and through Green Park would be a treasure tove.  It was not, but I was great birds and flowers on the 2 mile walk.

So here are a few of the birds along the Serpentine Walk. The most notworthy being the heron which is barely visible in my shot.

I love how comfortable the birds are in the middle of a city of 7M people.

I chose one path and is was lovely, but not a hiding place of eggs.

I deliberately avoided the Palace which reopens today after extensive renovation.  It is now the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

And the park was brimming with geese of all ages and types.

And here is the heron on the other shore.  It is at 10 o'clock from the second full piling.  He waited there a long time, with me hoping for an in-flight departure, but no.  He stayed put.

The gardens are lovely in Hyde park right now, despite the turn to chill.

Around the Italian fountains, things are a bit more formal than  the path by the "Rotton Road."

The "Rotton Road" is the horse path through the park and is far less manicured.

Still, not an egg in sight.
There were, however, two signals of British optimism: a swimmer in the chill and inviting deck chairs set out by the boats.

I also enjoyed the Memorial Fountain to Dianna, Princess of Wales.  The first time I saw it, I was unimpressed, but today I walked around the whole fountain and found its sounds and its granite very soothing and beautiful.

I continue to be amused and amazed at how dogs have free reign in the parks.  Today, I came across the Dog Rules sign that explains much of this.

 Of course, I am certain that Londoners would agree that Dogs Ride Inside.
I walked through the Gates at Hyde Corner.

Then I crossed Hyde Corner and through Wellington Arch.

Certainly, Buckingham Palace would have eggs???
Well, no.  The 2002 War Memorial to Indian, Caribean and African troops is very impressive.

Very touching and very astounding that so many Indians, Caribeans and Africans lost their lives fighting for the British crown in both world wars.
I missed the changing of the Guard.  Another day.

And, then headed through Green Park, where I KNEW there were more eggs. And sure enough.

And off to see what the Knight bridge and Kensington neighborhoods had to offer.

And a few more.

And the last eight--alas, I could not find 200 eggs.

So, with that, I was cold, hungry and ready to go home.  Took the less direct tube route to stop at the market and saw some street art.

And, after marketing I walked home and spotted a sight that always makes me smile.  On Pilgrim's Lane, Mr. Magoo parks his red car and plugs it in for electricity.  The shape of this vehicle is exactly as I remember from the old cartoon.  

It is funny be half when you see the cord.

So, the next big decision is whether to stay in reading a book with hot tea--or--take in a cinema where I could also sip hot tea.  

The weather today convinced me that we could see snow.  It was really cold, drizzly and not as cold as what the wind is blowing in for the week.

There is a recital tomorrow for Palm Sunday at St. Giles that promises to be a delight.  

Happy 67th Birthday, Eric Clapton. 3.30.12, Friday

Eric Clapton:  not God (as he once called himself), but one of the best guitarists in my lifetime. What a life, what a talent, and a what story of resurrection and redemption.

London is beautiful again today with record heat.  Lest anyone think we have been too lucky, rest assured: the ten day forecast predicts showers (rain and SNOW) by Easter.  I can't really wrap my head around that and find it hard to believe.

These magnolia trees are blooming all over North London along with plum, peach, almond and cherry trees.  Absolutely delicious fragrances abound. So strong it is almost an  assault on the senses.  Add to that picture the chorus of birds that sing from dawn to slightly after dusk.  It is fantastic celebration of Springtime.  So, too, are the window displays in the candy stores, bakeries, and dress shops--all manner of little chicks, ducks and bunnies.

I believe this is the first time in more than 40 years that I did not color Easter eggs.  Bummer. Keep in mind that I have been known to color eggs in autumn for decorations, too. I have looked, but no egg coloring kits to be found.  The grocery here sells colored hard boiled eggs, but that misses ALL the fun of Easter eggs. I guess the Brits did not get the memo telling them to never expect anyone to want to eat the colored, boiled eggs.

Our inequality class visited Harrod's yesterday to do some pricing of items. One group had to price out ingredients for a dinner party of eight guests.  Another a baby layette, another a week's career wardrobe, etc. It was very interesting outing.  I was reluctant to take photos knowing most retailers do not permit it.  I did manage, however, to snap a few in the Food Hall (we would call it a food court).

A mere £9 ($13) gives one a half teaspoon taste of caviar.  And, for those with a real hankering, the menu offers a heaping tablespoon of special caviar £155 ($220).


The seafood section is overpowering--in its selection.  Notice the tile work and sculpture to signify we are now in the fish section.

The waiter at the little counter approached to tell me I could have whatever my heart desired--even if it were not on the menu.  I told him that I have friend coming next week and I would return, although I doubted she will want to eat at the oyster bar.  He promised that Shannon could have any combination of food and wine from the food hall and he would arrange for us to sit together at the Oyster Bar.  How accommodating!  And, at the prices one would expect such service.

 The sculpture over the game meats.
And the meats: Warning to my Vegetarian readers--close eyes for next two photos.

The £9.95 price seems reasonable until you see that is is per 100g (about 3.5 oz or less than a fourth of a pound for chuck roast.

There was sign above this counter offering that Harrod's butcher would pick "Wine for your swine" if asked.

I really enjoy the decor at Harrod's.  Here are some of the tile walls in the Food Hall.

And, their cooked hens.


I am really pleased with most of the group projects students are producing in Inequality class.  Powerful, well-researched, engaging, and showing an application of course concepts to their observations in London.  I love it when they teach me things and entertain me.  Very good accomplishments.


Off to the Monmouth Coffee Company for some beans and a latte.

It is simply the best.  Here is an excerpt from their webpage.

We started roasting and retailing coffee here in 1978 and built a sampling room for our customers to try our coffees before buying beans. We moved roasting out of Covent Garden in 2007 and our coffee is now delivered every day from our site in Bermondsey.  We make single cone filter coffee and espresso based drinks. 

Our organic Jersey whole milk is from Jeff Bowles in Somerset and our organic whole cane sugar from Assukkar, Costa Rica.

We have pastries from the bakeries Little Bread Pedlar, Paul and Violet and in the colder months, we have fresh cream truffles from Sally Clarke and single-origin chocolate from François Pralus and Original Bean.

Why they are not open in the evenings (in the West End near the theaters?), is a mystery.

Now that article revisions are in Berna's hands, I will brave Friday rush hour on the tube for this treat--that says how special it is.