I’m on my way to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral today and the Chelsea Flower Show later. Last night, I was so exhausted by 6 pm that I took a nap for about two hours. Around 9:00 pm, Ian Davis called regarding my guided tour of The Houses of Parliament on Friday. It will cost five pounds and I can go in at 11:30 am even though the letter I received from the Education Unit says to be there at 3:30 pm.Every night, I plan what I’ll do the next day and then I can’t fall asleep until 11:30 because I’m anxious to go and see exciting places and learn about interesting people. It is difficult to get up at 7:00 am the next morning. That’s probably why I’m so tired - plus I am doing a lot of walking and standing. Have I mentioned lately that I miss my Saucy? Well, I do.
I decided not to pay four pounds to go into St. Paul’s because I’m quickly running out of cash and they would not take credit cards. It’s additional pounds to see the gallery and additional for a recorded tour - total of over ten pounds cash. I wasn’t that thrilled to go inside anyway. So, instead, I went to Penhaligons on Wellington Street, Covent Garden, and bought 94 pounds of eau de toilette. Good trade-off, right? It’s not real money, it’s a credit card. This is one of the specific things that I wanted to buy in London. Anyway, I get back over nine pounds of VAT later and/or may return something.
I’m sitting at Palms, the same restaurant that Neal and I had a nice lunch last week. It’s not the same now. I’m treated with less attention because I’m by myself - most places are like that. Anyway, I ordered a chicken-Caesar salad because the fish and chips that were so good last week, were a special, and are now unavailable. They also forgot to bring me a Coke.
The Chelsea Physic Garden was a jungle. Most plants were in dire need of help (trim, spray for bugs, division). It wasn’t a total waste, though. It’s not a garden grown for looks.
The Chelsea Flower Show was enormous. The vendors were very inventive with their displays. Most designs were gorgeous and some were not. The tulip displays, unfortunately, were not extraordinary. The African violets were most extraordinary. I bought a packet of red and pink seeds. I hope they grow. Also, I bought a bright green metal snail to go outside in one of the flower beds, maybe the zinnias. I‘m anxious to see how much my plants at home have grown. I hope I get to see some of the flowers on my Heritage rosebush which is in bloom right now. There were several rose vendors - all very nice. Most of the more delicate arrangements were inside under the big tent. Things like lawn furniture, tools, garden art, supplies, etc. were outside in their own kiosks. The place was packed. I couldn't get close to any of the major outdoor displays. It was very difficult to see anything. The crowd was a lot like the Fourth of July on the Mall in DC, only lots less rowdy and lots older. It was quite an experience but not one that I want to repeat.
Went to "Tootsies" again across from B&B, potato skins and shake again - chocolate this time, still needs to be thicker. I miss home and wish I could leave here right now. It’s silly really. When I get back, I’ll be wishing I could come here again.
My boss is arriving here tonight in London from Brussels via the Chunnel. I wonder if he’ll actually make it here or change his mind and go straight home. I’ll try to call him tomorrow.