Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. - Sir Francis Bacon
As much as Pamela Martin Duarte lovesTexas. she has to admit her beloved state ishotter than hotter this time of year! During the Summer months, Pamela likes to while away the lazy hours planning vacations in cooler greener pastures and she won't be very American If she doesn't plan on visiting London and theOlympics this Summer which will be televised here in America onNBC Universal.
Harrods, Pamela loves you more than many things in life. However, she wont like to be caught in the crowds of tourists who will be in town for the Olympics unless you promise to sneak her in and out the side door!Call me maybe?
Lets take a look at what's hot in London this Summer:
Antiques Book Stores and More!
For antique lovers seeking souvenirs of their Olympic visit, Pamela proposes the Spitalfields Antiques Market, where hundreds of vendors set up every Thursday in the Old Spitalfields Market Hall oldspitalfieldsmarket.com. While in the area you must stop by Dennis Severs' extraordinary historic house in Spitalfields dennissevershouse.co.uk. The home offers the chance to enter the mythic world of 18th-century London. She recommends it on one of their "silent nights" when speech is forbidden because there is nothing worse than chatter during the tour. And you guys know her well enough that on occasion she has been known to tell someone to shut their trap and hold their horses!
Every Sunday, the East End becomes one huge labyrinth market where you can "get lost" among thousands of stalls that are participating in a tradition of trade that has been happening for over one hundred years! While you are there don't miss Nicholas Hawksmoor's towering baroque masterpiece, Christ Church Greyfriars. This gothic masterpiece had its origins in the conventual church of a Franciscan monastery, the name "Greyfriars" being a reference to the grey habits worn by Franciscan monks. The first church on the site was built in the thirteenth century, but this was soon replaced by a bigger building, begun in 1306 and consecrated in 1326. This new church was the second largest in medieval London, measuring 300 feet (91 m) long and 89 feet (27 m) wide, with at least eleven altars. Afterwards Pamela recommends a leisurely stroll through Brick Lane via the Truman Brewery over to the Columbia Road flower market columbiaroad.info for bargain bouquets and gorgeous shops and restaurants that will surely tempt your senses beyond anything one might find during the blistering months of July and August in Texas.
Swimmers, Marathons and Michael Phelps New Mustache Oh My!
Hyde Park will play host to the triathlon and marathon swimming events. Hyde Park is handy for tourist hotspots such as the Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall. Apsley House english-heritage.org.uk at Hyde Park Corner is the former home of the Duke of Wellington where there is an impressive art collection and a giant nude statue of Napoleon. After taking in a bit of history and nudity you should head south into the grand streets of Belgravia for a pint of fun with the locals, Belgravia is a "best kept secret" and is home to some of the best pubs in London. Seek out the eccentric Grenadier taylor-walker.co.uk and the Nag's Head to name a few.
Calling all Libero, Strikers and Defensive Specialists - No we are not lynching anyone YET! Summer Olympics will send you California Dreaming in St. James Place
The royal neighborhood will be transformed into a beach volleyball mecca. The only thing missing will be the rush of waves and the cool Pacific breeze. The obvious places to see here are Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, but take time to wander the surrounding streets they are lovely and hold lots of surprises like palaces and regal residences. If you are looking for a great bottle of wine to toast your winning teams you must plan to visit the building that was once home to Napoleon III and now is home to Berry Brothers Rudd wine shop. Now let's start practicing...USA USA USA!
Note: Things change over time. The author of this article therefore makes no claims about the 100% accuracy of any information contained therein.
