Saturday 17 December 2011

Christmas lights

Christmas tree lights, Covent Garden

I always love a trip to London - the City, my former home, that helps to recharge my soul batteries. I soak up a spot of history, quench my inspirational thirst and revel in nostalgia for a well-spent youth. I always take away something special from a tramp of these streets, negotiating public transport and dodging tourists. I feel good.... grounded.... back on home turf.

London just oozes with history and creativity - with evidence on almost every corner. I could't help but smile with delight when I happened upon a blue plaque informing me that I was standing before the very place where Rosetti, Millais and Hunt formed the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, then later spotted this one of another of my heros. (I was also thrilled by finding this picture on the wiki page I linked to on blue plaques - serendipity indeed!). This was once my City too where magic happens and I feel forever a part of it.


I was in London for a party last night, but there was plenty of time for some shopping and exploration during daylight hours...


If you put the word 'Enchanted' in any exhibition title you're sure to grab my attention. Add 'Palace' and you're onto a sure-fire winner. What better way to pass an hour or so than wrapping oneself in the magic of Kensington Palace where fashion, performance and dreamlike installations told tales of Palace Princesses set against the backdrop of the gilded decor.



I learned that money and power most certainly doesn't buy happiness; but at least you get to indulge in your eccentricities.

Thank you to Amelia for her recommendation!




I returned home this morning with the music and spectacle of last night's party still powering through my senses (though fortunately, a sensible consumption of French fizz, did at least mean that any alcoholic hangover was gratefully not present!). As a special treat I even got to stay overnight, so I could fully immerse myself in the Cafe de Paris experience without worrying about catching trains. And, while I didn't exactly follow in Monique's* footsteps with regard to dancing barefoot through puddles and seducing handsome Frenchmen (it being much too cold for the former and I have no need for the latter), I did dance until the wee small hours!

(*See yesterday's post!)

Photos (other than the top one) taken at The Enchanted Palace Exhibition at Kensington Palace.

Sharing with Sweet Saturdays.

10 comments:

  1. Just so you know London is on my bucket list. Ah one day. Till then i will tour vicariously through my friends. :-)

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  2. oh how wonderful!!!! you are so lucky to enjoy London!!!! I have that on my list of places to go!!!!loving your cool blog Holiday background Lisa!!!!! Wishing you a super sweet and wonderful Saturday!!!!

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  3. Beautiful pictures! I have a sister named Amelia!

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  4. I enjoyed my visit here, and feel a little like I got a taste of London as well! I read my children, Olivia & Zachary, a beautifully illustrated edition of 'The Night Before Christmas' last evening. I always picture Victorian-era London as the backdrop for the story. Thank you for sharing ~ hope you have a great Saturday :)

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  5. Thanks for sharing your lovely day and night in London, beautiful photos and I love that Christmas Tree in Covent Garden.

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  6. I am really taken with the image of the bottles...I love the translucency of it:)
    xx

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  7. WOW! Magical fun...love the pic share! Beautiful!

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  8. Enchantment holds definite allure. I love your words and photographs, especially the one with the dark trees with the vibrant blues background.

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  9. Sounds like you had a nice time. Great pics. Ev

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  10. Oh Lisa! What fun to party in London! Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos and letting me dream for a few minutes!
    Jessi xox

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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