"It was imprudent of us, in the first place, to become authors. We could have become something regular, but we managed not to.
We were lucky, but we were also determined." Roy Blount Jr

"I don’t change the facts to enhance the drama. I think of it the other way round, the drama has got to fit the facts,
and it’s your job as a writer to find the shape in real life."
Hilary Mantel

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Sunday Stroll: London

Around midday we headed for Manchester Square and the Wallace Collection. Though the closure (for renovation) of some of our faovurite rooms was disappointing, the highly entertaiing Osbert Lancaster exhibition nearly made up for it!

Oh, my a crocodile in Duke Street!




The theme of Selfridges's holiday windows is Father Christmas, he's featured in a succession of them. We especially enjoyed the one with all the knickers!



Selfridges happens to be my favourite London department store, but going there today was absolute madness! Shoppers were out in droves all along Oxford Street. Inside the store crowds were thick and noisy and it was nearly impossible to get near a till (I got lucky in the Christmas Shop.)

I can never resist the Food Hall.





Leaving Selfridges, we crossed over Oxford Street. The roast chestnut seller was there, in his usual place. Lunch!



Heading down Brook Street, we admired the decorations at Claridge's Hotel.



The passage leading to Handel's House was nicely decorated, too.



We toured Handel's house, in which he composed most of his operas and oratorios. It has the squeakiest wooden floors I've ever come across. It also has the distinction of being Jimmy Hendrix's London residence.

There was a dressing-up area in an upstairs exhibition room (part of the former Hendrix flat). Probably intended for folk younger than me, but that didn't stop me having fun as an 18th century lady.



The South Molton Street pedestrian area was beautifully lit.



On the way back to our digs we strolled through the nearest Waitrose and bought tomorrow's breakfast and some beverages.

Like all good strolls, mine ended with a drink. For me, vintage perry:



To stroll along with other strollers, go here!


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