Ladies' Day Out

This entry is for all you people (JP) who think I don't do enough sightseeing in my new hometown. Monday was a banner day. My new friend Jody from Canada (left, in blue sweater) introduced me to London Walks, which is a great way to see different parts of the city on foot. Not only are the tours quite well done, but their web site is also pretty entertaining! Jody and I went on the Old Palace Quarter walk, so I can now add the following (maybe, maybe not) famous buildings to my repertoire:

• Spencer House (built in the 1760's by an ancestor of Princess Diana -- alas, she never lived there, nor were we permitted to go inside)



• Clarence House (current home of Prince Charles & Camilla; princes William and Harry also have apartments there)



• St. James's Church (built in the 1670's and designed by Sir Christopher Wren; we enjoyed an hourlong concert of classical music here, after our walking tour -- it was top notch)
  
  I really enjoyed the mission statement of St. James's Church. After stating all the things they strive to be and to do, both within and outside their church, they noted at the bottom of their brochure: "We don't manage it all the time, so we try again." Ahem. Amen!



• Dukes Hotel (supposedly the home of the world's best dry martini -- Kim! Come here!)



• Fortnum & Mason (grocery store to the Queen, and where I'll be taking visitors in search of foodie souvenirs -- forget Harrods!)



• Chesterfield Hotel (the site of my first proper Afternoon Tea) -- see below.

So speaking of tea. Who out there knows the difference between "afternoon tea" and "high tea"? Supposedly the former is more like a "snack" taken around 3 p.m., whereas the latter is more like a "supper" around 4-5 p.m. However. This afternoon tea was more like a sugar-laden feast to boggle the mind. Needless to say, there was no need to have lunch OR dinner on Monday. That three-tiered stand in the photo above -- that's just MY food. Meredith and Jody had their own.

On that three-tiered stand: two fruit scones with clotted cream and jam; several pieces of sponge cake; one slice of cheesecake; one fruit/nut tart; one chocolate eclair; five finger sandwiches including smoked salmon, cucumber, egg salad, ham/cheese, and mozzarella/basil/tomato. Mine came with hot tea and a glass of Champagne; Mere and Jody ordered the "chocolate tea," which included chocolate scones instead of fruit ones, and a huge chocolate milkshake in addition to a pot of hot tea. Jody shared her milkshake with me, and I must agree it was the best chocolate milkshake I'd ever tasted.

So what are you waiting for? Get over here, and have some "tea" with me!!