Breakfast was very good at The Ritz but not worth the expense. The fresh fruit was the best thing. Mr. Feldman had kippers and enjoyed them. I just had scrambled eggs. The fancy room and excellent service was what made the meal so expensive. It was gorgeous. Later, I got to see the suite Mr. Feldman and a friend are staying. It’s very large and very nice. I don’t think I would ever want to leave the room. As fancy as the room was, it was odd that the radio was modern looking and did not fit in. Also, the not so fresh flowers in the room were fading and should have been replaced. What felt really strange was seeing my boss here, in London. I can’t believe I had breakfast at the Ritz! With my boss! And his friend! Their rooms were very nice but hardly spectacular enough to cost what they did. It's definitely an overpriced hotel.After going back to my much smaller but more charming room to change clothes, I left for my exciting trip to Syon Park. I took the train to Richmond and a bus from the station to the Park. There was a Petsmart across the street from the park’s pedestrian entrance so I decided to look for some different toys for Saucy - who I miss enormously. I bought four toys for her that I hope she enjoys.
The park was lovely. Syon House was worth the visit. It was as interesting as the other places I’ve been to see with a very good acoustiguide and also much less crowded. The "long" room was my favorite because of the colors on the walls and ceiling (green and pink) and all of the bright light from the windows. This was the house I could see from Kew Gardens across the river. I hope the lion on the roof shows up on my photo.
The rose garden was very impressive. There were so many different kinds of roses and all were large and healthy looking - some more than others. A few were suffering from black spot and lots were plagued with aphids. They were, overall, good-looking specimens. I wonder how my rosebush is doing at home. I hope it doesn't have any health problems or aphids and Japanese beetles. They are sometimes very difficult to grow. That's why I am impressed when I see so many that look so good.
Right now, I’m sitting at Westminster Cathedral waiting for the 7:00 pm mass to begin. The ceiling is very dark but the lower part of the church is light colored marble of blue and white, red and white, and some green and white. I will finish the description of my day’s remainder later, when I get back to my room after mass.
Later - There was no music at the mass so it was a little peculiar. I’m still very glad I was able to attend mass at the Cathedral, though. Outside, there were quite a few homeless people begging for money. I’ve seen them other places too but there aren’t nearly as many as in Washington.
At Syon Park, there was a pink locust tree with a very sweet and spicy fragrance. I picked up a small clump of flowers off the ground for my room. They are in a glass on the table next to my bed right now. I’ve only ever seen white locust trees, never pink so I am enjoying these. They made my backpack smell nice all day.
I guess I did like Syon Park very much although it was difficult to get to. On the way home, there was a slight fiasco with the bus. I missed my stop and had to go back on myself. The station wasn’t clearly marked - well, it wasn’t noticeable enough and I went right past it. At least I rode a double-decker bus and got to sit on the top level in the front seat. It felt strange, like the bus was too wide for the road. But it was fun and the drivers were helpful and friendly when I asked for help. Anyway, taking the bus is okay to do once but I hope I never have to do it again.
Tomorrow morning, I’m leaving bright and early for Canterbury via Britrail. I’m so glad to be leaving the city - it is oppressive.
