Historical Weekend in London

Kenwood House - Photo source: www.english-heritage.org.uk

So my week/weekend was a little hectic with moving house and frolicking around some historical sites in London, with my handy iPhone of course. So I figure to avoid writing massive content (sorry SEO), the best way to share my experience is through pictures. Follow along the pictorial journey.

First off was a mere glimpse of George Benson at a live open air concert on Saturday, 2 July at Kenwood House (beside Hamstead Heath). It was a picnic with crazy brits trying to outrun security in order to reach the other side of the concert - to explain, we (my new neighbor/friend - Jennifer and I) were non-ticket holders on one end of the park getting a glimpse of the ticket holders who were actually on the inside perimeter - along with good food, fun and company.

London City view from the top - on our way to Kenwood House

Kenwood House at night

The highlight of my weekend, a well needed most relaxing and serene visit to Hampton Court Palace with my friend Alanna (another American expat in London). We ate, relaxed, chatted, walked, toured, ate, ate and walked. It was lovely! Hampton Court Palace is absolutely gorgeous and just a short train ride (35 min.) from London.

We toured the gardens, the kitchen, the grounds, King and Queen apartments and imagined ourselves in Tutor dresses leisurely strolling the grounds, admiring the gardens and trying to rise in rank to Henry VIII's court. Fascinating and a great way to channel the imaginative child within.

Alanna gives us the panoramic tour - thanks to the Photosynth app.

Someone had a little too much wine.

Oh and we met Henry VIII. I gave him a bow and he said, "thank you, your service is dually noted". :-)

Inside court yard - I could really see myself living here, you know.

Welcome to the gardens.

Love horses! 

Gorgeous - was once a pond.

Cooks preparing food for the King and his court - 75% meat diet in those times.

And this is how we would have dined.

Interesting how Ann Boleyn (the shortest of Henry's marriages) gave birth to the longest reigning monarchy.

If you plan to visit London, I do recommend adding this to your visit. There is also a lovely maze which I forget to mention.

And if you are a Londoner, on a nice day, either one of these venues is definitely worth a day trip.

Until next time - Ciao!