Today is a "bank holiday" meaning Josh has the day off. I'm not sure what the occasion is, but it is nice that Josh has a day to recover from our busy weekend before going back to work on Tuesday. There is another bank holiday in early June, well two really, this year is the Queen's Jubilee year which means that she has been monarch for 60 consecutive years. Because of this, England gets an extra bank holiday in June, one for the Queen's public birthday and one for the Jubilee. We should stay in London for the Jubilee celebrations, but is is just too tempting to plan trip instead! I've been spending the day researching some warm, sunny places to visit, preferably with a beach!
This past weekend was rainy and dreary and cold...again. Which is probably why I've been dreaming of the beach and sun. We made the most of it though, and on Saturday, Josh and I headed out to "Little Venice", which is a part of the canal system here in London. There was a festival going on called Canalway Cavalcade. People who own canal boats line them up along the canal and decorate them with bunting and British flags. The festival also included some food and market vendors and a parade of boats.
 |
| Canalway Cavalcade Festival |
 |
| A look inside one of the canal boats. |
 |
| The fancy boat that led the canal boat flotilla. |
Despite the cold and occasional spit of rain, Josh and I had a good time at the festival. And I finally (yes I know, finally!) ate a scone with clotted cream and jam. Mmmm...it as delicious and I won't be waiting so long to get one again!
 |
| Delicious scone with clotted cream and jam...mmm...(Warning: Do not lick your screen!) |
After the festival, Josh and I decided to walk down to the Kensington Palace area since Josh had never actually seen the outside of the Palace. The gardens outside of the Palace are very pretty - just don't waste your money actually going inside...total train wreck.
 |
| Garden in front of Kensington Palace |
 |
| Josh in front of Kensington Palace. |
After a quick look at the Palace, we decided to check out one of the many free museums in the area, the Victoria & Albert museum. We didn't get to look at everything, but it was a very interesting museum with artifacts from throughout history. We spent a lot of time in the rooms that focused on Roman Catholicism, definitely a place to bring my dad when he comes to visit, he will love it!
 |
| A poplar wooden cross from about 800 |
 |
| Garments and a wooden Jesus on a donkey. |
 |
| Me, being weird at the museum :) |
Josh and I had a good day out together. I made dinner and we settled in for the night and watched a movie. The next day, we had plans to meet our friends Alissa and Kieran at a Foodie Festival near Hampton Court Palace. We left the house around 10:30 for the one hour trip by bus and train to Hampton Court. The first thing we did was head to the Festival for some nibbles. There were food and drinks everywhere! I've never tried so many different kinds of cheeses and liquors...it was awesome!
 |
| Josh, Alissa and Kieran at the Foodie Festival |
 |
| Cool double decker bus bar. |
 |
| Kieran and his giant jelly doughnut :) |
We had big plans to tour Hampton Court Palace, but we ended up staying at the Foodie Festival all day! The tasty samples were just too tempting. We were all stuffed but continued to peruse the aisles in search of more delicious food.
 |
| Trying out some Gin. |
 |
| Alissa and I with some tea infused champagne. |
 |
| Me and my delicious doughnut :) |
Before we left, Josh bought a Kangaroo steak sandwich to try. I had a bite too, it was different and reminded me a little of deer meat. Not something I want to eat everyday. Apparently, Kangaroo meat is quite common in Australia, but not the combination of PB and Jelly :) Alissa was not convinced that she should try it together despite my claims of deliciousness.
 |
| Kangaroo! |
 |
| First bite of Kangaroo. |
After gorging ourselves at the festival, we took a walk around Hampton Court Palace. I'm sad we didn't have time to do a tour inside but I am definitely going to be coming back sometime soon. The Palace and grounds are huge!
 |
| Hampton Court Palace |
 |
| Hampton Court Palace |
 |
| Kieran trying to hop the fence... |
We had a great time out with our friends and the Foodie Festival was amazing! Now back to searching online for a warm and beachy getaway...
Rachel
6 comments:
You're having the time of your life, I'm sure, from all the neat blogs you send. Keep 'em coming!
Sorry but I did try to eat that scone. Looked delicious! I'll say one thing about you & Josh, you'll have some dandy conversations when you get back to the states. Someone will mention Kangaroo and you all can say, yes, we tried that! I do believe Kevin will enjoy the Victoria & Albert museum. Looks so interesting. I don't know you friends but right away liked them. So glad you have them to pal around with. Loved the decorated boats. And my goodness but delicious looking food, except for the Kangeroo. Love you, take care. I'll be right here waiting for your next adventure. Granny D
Awh, cute pic of you, love it!! Tell Alissa that I agree w/ her, I don't like peanut butter and jelly either! In fact,
your scone would be perfect if plain for me. That donut looked yummy though!! I am guessing these are your Aussie friends? Nice to put faces to them now. Glad you ended up having a good weekend despite the weather. Any sign of Kate and William yet??!!
Yes, our Aussie friends. No sign of Will and Kate though...sorry mom!
Maybe I better come and look for myself.
I think you should!
Post a Comment