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London Update Two

November 9, 2024
KK

October Update

Where has the time gone? If you asked me what we do all day, every day, I don’t know if I could tell you. It is life as usual for us, apart from waking up in one of the most exciting cities in the world. This past month, we’ve had workmen outside our 3^rd-floor windows as our “morning alarm.” Our building is under scaffolding, which is mandatory for most buildings throughout London. As part of restoration and upkeep projects, buildings must adhere to strict regulations every seven years to keep London’s diverse architecture pristine. If you are a film buff like me, you have seen London in different historical periods due to the varied architectural styles. No matter where you are in London, it remains the same—from Roman Britain, Tudor Times, the Victorian Era, the Roaring 20s, and WWII to modern times. It seems the city can take on almost any period of time through film set design and costume. Thus, the scaffolding laws keep London looking like London. So, our day starts with the workmen sanding and fixing the exterior of the flat, whether it is inclement weather or not. We check the weather every morning—partly cloudy with a chance of rain and some “brightening” spells. It’s the same thing every day! And with those brightening spells come biking or walking the parks, window shopping, and markets. The rainy days bring museums and galleries. There is always something to do.

London Building Upkeep

Since Jack and I are now “seniors”, we have a senior rail card, which gives us HUGE discounts on the tube, trains, and even theatre tickets. We have already taken advantage of it with a few day trips, the first one was to Dover to visit the castle and walk along those beautiful white cliffs. We didn’t know much about this area and were pretty impressed. Dover Castle was built originally on a Roman site, but of course, William the Conqueror took it over in 1066 and began making it the fortress it is today. Henry II turned it into one of the largest Bed & Breakfasts after he had the Archbishop of Canterbury (Thomas A Becket) murdered in Canterbury Cathedral—”Who will ride me of this meddlesome priest?” The King opened the doors of his Castle to the many pilgrims making their way to Canterbury—thus was his penance. Besides the fabulous castle, there is a vast network of tunnels within the White Cliffs beneath the Castle. They were used as barracks for the Napoleonic Wars, a headquarters and hospital during the Second World War, and they were equipped to serve as a Regional Seat of Government in the 60s in case of a nuclear war. Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I encourage everyone to put it on the list of things to do when visiting London.

The Great Tower

Roman Lighthouse

St. Mary de Castro

White Cliffs of Dover

Speaking of problems, my Carpal Tunnel started acting up again, and I had to fly back to Houston for a quick surgery, but before I crossed the pond, Jack and I celebrated my birthday at the Churchill Arms (one of the most photographed pubs in the world!). Surprisingly, we ran into our pickleball buddy from Houston, Suzanne Brown. It is truly a small, small world! I headed back to Houston the next day for my surgery and left Jack to fend for himself for two weeks. (I think he may have lost a little weight while I was gone; I can’t tell whether he missed my cooking or just played a lot of Pickle!) The best thing about having surgery in Houston was spending time with both daughters and grandkids. I did have a chance to fly to Jacksonville and see the boys and the Florida grandkids. It was a packed two weeks, indeed. Back in London, the weather was beautiful, with very little rain. The parks are an explosion of colour, with trees ablaze with glorious autumn shades. Jack used my absence and the gorgeous weather to run in Hyde Park and bike all the way to Greenwich to one of our favourite pubs, The Trafalgar Tavern. Because he had to park the rental bike on the North side of the Thames, he was able to walk under the river via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel built in 1902!

Fall in Hyde Park

Biking in London

Greenwich Foot Tunnel

Trafalgar Tavern

Luckily, the weather held on my return, so we headed out to Warwick and Warwick Castle for another day trip. Unfortunately for us, the Castle was transformed into a Spooky Halloween set, and it was half-term break for UK schools; thus, the place was crawling with little ghosts, goblins, and families all enjoying the music, dancing, and mysteries of the haunted castle all run by Merlin Entertainment. (Translation—I need to research better, and we should have picked a different day!) All in all, though, the Castle was a beautiful site to see, but I don’t think I’d return. There are too many other historical castles in the area that have not been turned into Disney-type attractions.

Warwick Town Wall

St. Mary's Church

Pickleball has played a big part in our London life. (It’s a good thing the surgery was on my left hand—I can still play, but it is harder to do downward dogs!) We found a good group of players through Lemon, a mostly Central/Northern organization. It is definitely an up-and-coming sport here. Lemon runs over 40 sessions weekly, and we hit at least 2-3 of them each week. With London weather so unpredictable, we play indoors at schools and community center gyms. But as I mentioned in the last update, there are too many coloured lines on the sports court floor! I really have to concentrate to keep the ball inside the white lines. Jack doesn’t seem to have any problem, though.

London Pickleball

London PB Sites

With Lemon PB co-founder Ash

As the month ended, we prepared for guests. Our November and December visitor bookings are full, and there are only a few open days for cleaning and changing linens. Our guests will see London transform into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets scattered throughout the streets and the magical sound of carolers and musicians floating throughout the city. I can’t wait! (More on Christmas in London to follow!)

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2 Responses

Priscilla Fox says:

November 9, 2024 at 9:35 pm

Such fun to get a peek into your adventures! Thanks for the update! I hope you are healing well from the Carpal Tunnel procedure!

Reply
Joe Parrino says:

November 9, 2024 at 7:07 pm

Oh wow KK…sorry about your carpal tunnel.

Probably a bit strange coming “home” for a couple of weeks then heading back. Although having lived in so many places, you might be used to it. Wishing you a fast recovery!

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