one would like to say that not much had changed in the past two years since visiting England last, however this year was marked with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and London was the host city for the Olympics and the Paralympics. 

Although i arrived the day before the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, those Olympic mascots were popping up everywhere, flags flew high in support of England and the Union Jack for all. bunting decorated shop windows, homes, pubs, gardens, packaging and products. the Victoria and Albert museum bookshop was the place to be. the Albert Monument across from the Royal Albert Hall left me in total awestruck!!! the Twinings Tea Shop/Museum is a tea totallers delight. had a unforgettable delectable meal at Fortnum and Masons. took in a gin distillery tour with Sipsmith. pubs were the places to eat. ploughmans were the menu item of choice. cracked open a bottle with friends at the Harvey Nichols champagne bar and then headed to Cafe Rouge for a meal. not before spotting the Julian Assange supporters outside Ecuador's Embassy. Ellen Terry's House/Museum was enchanting. viewing her death mask was haunting! Sissinghurst Castle was a garden of delights. the 99's fluctuated in price from £1.40p to £2.20. Winchelsea was full of book fairs and i had the best latté there oh... and of course another Royal scandal. Keep Calm and Harry On is all one can say. England was England!  -jw 

Rule Britannia!

the summer has been a busy one and my long awaited vacation is here. i am off to England. i did say it was my home away from home. it's been two years since my last visit and what can i say other than through all the Jubilations and Olympic spirit i am curious to see how Old Blighty is really doing. see you in a few weeks. - jw