Saturday 20 November 2010

Devon, London, Devon, am I lucky or what!


On Monday I was back from Devon only to go to London on Thursday. Now back till Wednesday when going back to Devon...... After that I get to stay put till the New Year!

Went up to London to meet up with the absolutely delightful Nicky (absolute vanilla) and her husband. We met up in Covent Garden and found a lovely restaurant in a huge conservatory like building actually overlooking Covent Garden. We talked and talked, the restaurant couldn't get rid of us and in the end gave us more water to lubricate our throats!

Then I went off to my eldest son's flat in Kentish Town, an area of London that sounds nicer than it is. Friday Kit had booked the day off and we were set for walking. Nicky and her hubby had been to the famous Highgate Cemetery the day before. It's a place I've heard about and recently read about in a novel about ghosts and the such like. So decided to copy her idea. Only problem was I'd not taken my camera with me..... So I took lots of pictures with Kit's phone but may be waiting some time for him to get round to emailing me with them.

It is an astonishing place, there is a West and East graveyard. You can only go in the West side on a guided tour, which unfortunately were fully booked. But we could go in the East side. There are many many famous people buried there, the most famous being Karl Marx. It is an overgrown secret place with ivy trailing everywhere. Graves that are so old that all the words have eroded away. Being in there was a small oasis against the hustle and bustle of the world outside. Apart from the planes flying overhead on their way to Heathrow all you could hear was sweet birdsong. The weather was on our side, warm and sunny. It is definitely not a place anyone would want to visit on a late winter's afternoon with it getting dark it is spooky.

Friday night took us to the opening night of Harry Potter, which I highly recommend. I'm usually a great fidget in the cinema. And it was only when the film finished that I realised I hadn't moved in two and half hours I was so gripped by the story.My legs had cramped up and it took a while to get them moving. Can't wait for part II, which is mad really as I read the book and know what's going to happen!

The cinema was in an area called the Angel, which is as good as it's sounds. Just as well the shops were shut, as there were all the ones I could hope for and more! But instead of shopping we went to a little French restaurant. A place you have to live in London to know about. They've kept their food prices the same for 3 years and it was superb stuff. The place was only lit by candlelight and jam packed. We could only get in if we agreed to be out before 9pm.

Then home today for me and a big family lunch to cook tomorrow, roast beef and all the trimmings before a couple of days work and then more seaside..... Lovely

8 comments:

Marilyn & Jeff said...

How wonderful, all of it. Time with friends, time with your son, Devon, London, Devon. I don't think it could get better than that. I would so love to be able to visit London without a 20 something hour flight and huge expense. Keep enjoying all.

TALON said...

It all sounds delightful, Mandy.

The roast beef lunch with all the trimmings (for me that would have to be yorkshire pudding, brussel sprouts, roast potatoes and lashings of gravy) sounds scrumptious!

Merry ME said...

Sounds like a perfectly lovely trip. With more coming up. Ih, to take a magic carpet ride and plop myself down in a garden somewhere.


P.S. What exactly is Yorkshire Pudding and how did it get its name?

LindyLouMac said...

It sounds like you had a good time. What a shame you forgot to take your camera to Highgate Cemetery with you. I guess it was Her Fearful Symmetry you were referring to? I would love to know what you thought of it if you have time to leave me a comment on my blog.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/her-fearful-symmetry-by-audrey.html

Angela said...

I am so envious you met with Nicky, and I bet you had enough to talk about! And Devon is just the fulfilling of your dreams - so enjoy every minute. Sending you hugs from a cold, drizzly island!

Mel said...

Oh wow.....talk about a grand adventure....

I got to hear about Highgate and the feel of the place--himself haled from London onceuponatime.

Oh my....and a good movie with the son AND dinner.
You lucky woman!

Paula said...

Not convinced yet that you will stay put ;-))) Love that you have had a great time. Hugs

Unknown said...

It was wonderful seeing you again and so glad we could do it!
And how brilliant that you could go to Highgate. I have, rather gothically, taken masses of photos of the tombstones - some of which looking thoroughly creepy! It's a wonderful and very special place though, isn't it.
And, finally, many, many thanks for the wonderful book - I will always treasure it! xxx