Since Ken spends much of the business week away from home, the past several weeks brought me great delight as my mom stayed most of the month of May with us in Brussels and London. As always, Mom and I filled our time together with fun outings and sightseeing, lazy days at home to read and relax, and of course, laughter and wonderful conversation over a nice cup of tea. She even helped me celebrate my birthday by taking me to the Texas Embassy for lunch followed by shopping at Harrods.
Three of our outings took us outside of London. Brighton, an easy day trip from London, gave me the chance to show mom the Royal Pavilion, a palace that absolutely intrigues me because of its unique Indian and Chinese influenced architecture and flamboyant history. The other journey spanned two days in Stratford-upon-Avon to take in the sights and stories related to the life of Shakespeare. With our final day trip, we retoured Windsor Castle (we went together 9 years ago) and stayed for the evening prayer at the Castle’s St. George’s chapel.
Because the choir at Windsor’s chapel was on break and we didn’t get to hear them, we decided to attend an evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral. So, after touring the magnificent church in the afternoon, the priest directed us into the intricately carved stalls of the choir for the hour long service of which ¾ was sung angelically by the men & boys choir. Another evening of music came at Mom’s request. The last time she visited us, we saw Les Miserables, so in keeping with seeing some of the giants of theater, she decided that Phantom of the Opera should make the list. We managed to get great seats at the half-price ticket booth, and both of us were entranced by the exquisite voices of the actors.
A sweet friend, who I met during our year in Switzerland and now also lives in London, met me and mom for an afternoon of touring Westminster Abbey followed by tea at one of my favorite cafes. Although all three of us had visited the Abbey before, we once again appreciated the expansive history and intricate beauty of the many chapels. I also loved the chance for one of my good friends to meet my precious mama. Not surprising to me, Andrijana was very taken with my mom and thoroughly enjoyed her time with us.
Mom and I saved the Tower of London and its dazzling crown jewels until her last day. As we kept circling and reentering the moving sidewalk which passes by the jewels, we laughed remembering our previous visit 9 years ago with my dad. The three of us, with our jaws on the floor, must have looked like we were casing the place as we couldn’t take in the brilliant sight before us enough. Once again, security probably went on high alert as mom and I lingered in the jewel house for quite some time. Gazing at the amazing diamonds and gems set within the crowns, rings, and scepters, we found ourselves daydreaming about life as a royal and the perks that go with it. Of course, with regular pampering from mom, and since she calls me "princess" even to this day, I already feel like royalty.
Since Ken spends much of the business week away from home, the past several weeks brought me great delight as my mom stayed most of the month of May with us in Brussels and London. As always, Mom and I filled our time together with fun outings and sightseeing, lazy days at home to read and relax, and of course, laughter and wonderful conversation over a nice cup of tea. She even helped me celebrate my birthday by taking me to the Texas Embassy for lunch followed by shopping at Harrods.
Three of our outings took us outside of London. Brighton, an easy day trip from London, gave me the chance to show mom the Royal Pavilion, a palace that absolutely intrigues me because of its unique Indian and Chinese influenced architecture and flamboyant history. The other journey spanned two days in Stratford-upon-Avon to take in the sights and stories related to the life of Shakespeare. With our final day trip, we retoured Windsor Castle (we went together 9 years ago) and stayed for the evening prayer at the Castle’s St. George’s chapel.
Because the choir at Windsor’s chapel was on break and we didn’t get to hear them, we decided to attend an evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral. So, after touring the magnificent church in the afternoon, the priest directed us into the intricately carved stalls of the choir for the hour long service of which ¾ was sung angelically by the men & boys choir. Another evening of music came at Mom’s request. The last time she visited us, we saw Les Miserables, so in keeping with seeing some of the giants of theater, she decided that Phantom of the Opera should make the list. We managed to get great seats at the half-price ticket booth, and both of us were entranced by the exquisite voices of the actors.
A sweet friend, who I met during our year in Switzerland and now also lives in London, met me and mom for an afternoon of touring Westminster Abbey followed by tea at one of my favorite cafes. Although all three of us had visited the Abbey before, we once again appreciated the expansive history and intricate beauty of the many chapels. I also loved the chance for one of my good friends to meet my precious mama. Not surprising to me, Andrijana was very taken with my mom and thoroughly enjoyed her time with us. 
Mom and I saved the Tower of London and its dazzling crown jewels until her last day. As we kept circling and reentering the moving sidewalk which passes by the jewels, we laughed remembering our previous visit 9 years ago with my dad. The three of us, with our jaws on the floor, must have looked like we were casing the place as we couldn’t take in the brilliant sight before us enough. Once again, security probably went on high alert as mom and I lingered in the jewel house for quite some time. Gazing at the amazing diamonds and gems set within the crowns, rings, and scepters, we found ourselves daydreaming about life as a royal and the perks that go with it. Of course, with regular pampering from mom, and since she calls me "princess" even to this day, I already feel like royalty.
No comments:
Post a Comment