I set off into London with a list.
A list of stores where I could potentially buy a new sofa.
I had done my research, had a few suggestions and was raring to go.
I had one store in mind when I hopped off the Parsons Green tube stop in London.
I have my A-Z London App. on my iphone...it always gets me where I need to go.
But...
I got lost and that was ok.
I always tell my kids the fun doesn't begin until you get lost.
That is when the true adventure begins.
As I wandered the streets, I spotted a bicycle.
If you follow Collage of Life, you will know
what happens when I spot a bicycle...a photo is usually involved.
It is sort of like the children' story, If You Give a Pig a Pancake,
one thing leads to another and before you know it...
So..I saw the bicycle and thought I would investigate.
Can you see why? This building had 'investigate' written all over it.
The French House is hard to describe...you have to enter to truly appreciate it.
If you love a luscious tasting marmalade...
we say, look no further than Fortnum and Mason.We have tried them all...from America, to Australia, to New Zealand and back again. Mr. and Mr. H have declared that no one does it as well as Fortnum and Mason. With each visit to London, Mr. H has a simple assignment, buy as much Forthum and Mason marmalade as you can fit into your luggage. The man never ceases to amaze me with what he can get into his luggage. If their is a will..there is a way.
If you love a luscious tasting marmalade...
and orange is your flavour of choice...here are a few to tempt you. Even better...pick up a few as a Christmas gift with a few tins of Fortnum and Mason tea...you will be the best gift give ever..promise!
Sir Nigel's Vintage Orange Marmalade This classic vintage marmalade was made by Fortnum’s in the 1920s
for actor-manager Sir Nigel Playfair, who asked for a bitter, thick-cut preserve for his toast.
We met his request with this – a strong, substantial marmalade with a deep flavour
and lots of chewy peel. The colour of dark marmalade is often achieved by cooking the sugar for longer;
but we make it with two sorts of brown sugar instead, to give colour without overcooking.
The result is a rich, citrussy, not-too-sweet flavour. A cheering sight on one’s breakfast table.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in Tuvalu, South Pacific 1982
Picture: John Shelley/Rex Features via The Queen is a woman after my own heart.
She is the most travelled head of state in the world and by many
estimations the most travelled human being.
Surely that would make her the most travelled woman in the world?
I recently picked up the book, 'The Royal Tour',
a Royal Collection Publication. It details tours and visits
of Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth.
Book available via The Royal Collection here
Today marks 60 years on the throne and
261 official overseas visits and 96 state visits to 116 countries.
The Queen has never stood in a queue at Heathrow Airport
only because she does not have one.
Her first trip abroad was to South Africa in 1947.
The Queen and a young boy in Nigeria, 1956
Picture: Rex Features via
In her 60 years as Queen, she has travelled to:
Algeria, Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Austria
Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda,
Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei
Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Denmark, Dominica
Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France
Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana
Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait
Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria,
Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal
Qatar, Russia , Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea,
Spain, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Sudan, Sweden,
Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Uganda,
United States of America, Vanuatu (New Hebrides), Vatican City
Western Samoa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
I have highlighted the countries I have travelled to over the years as a comparison.
There are a few missing for me and even then I could not imagine
travelling to so many countries. I secretly love the thought!
My hat goes off to possibly the most travelled woman in the world.
A Royal Globetrotter in her Diamond Jubilee year.
Travel information via The Telegraph here
For those of you who enjoy Royal watching, especially around the Diamond Jubilee,
I spent the day at Windsor Castle this week and have written about it on my other
blog Collage of Life. I know some of you only follow me on this blog.
To that end...for you...
Windsor Castle, William Shakespeare and England's Rose
In the spirit of the Diamond Jubilee,
I spent the day at Windsor Castle on my own.
I had planned it that way...
I wanted to take my time and do it my way. :)
I learned many facts about Windsor Castle...
Built by William the Conqueror (r.1066-87)
It has stood it's ground for 900 years.
Today it is the largest occupied castle in the world.
Occupies 13 acres (5 hectares).
Official residence of The Queen
Often used by The Queen to host State Visits.
If you go, be sure to see: the State Apartments,
Queen Mary's Doll House and St George's Chapel.
On exhibition now, a must see..
The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years
You can visit Windsor Castle via video here.
St. George's Chapel holds the tombs of ten sovereigns
including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour,
and Charles I. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother,
King Charles VI and Princess Margaret also lie buried in the Chapel.
The castle is so rich in history, it requires a good read and visit to take it all in.
I am not sure if even then, one could fully grasp the full scope of this magnificent castle.
Interior shots are not allowed...so I had to make due with what I discovered outside.
If you would like to explore Windsor Castle in more detail...start here.
I promise you, the interior is most definitely worth a visit.
My discoveries....
Up, up and away.. after all, it is a castle. :)
"Oh Romeo, Romeo...wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I'll no longer be a Capulet."
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Windsor Castle has a way of making you think like that.
Here lies the Moat Path which leads to the Moat Garden.
