I think the international schools have found the perfect schedule. My new theory that has been tested now for two years is: Week breaks every few months to recharge the batteries is good for everyone! February break is ski week and I ventured with my travel buddy Samantha to explore London!
Zurich airport has --- Tiffany and Co, Louis Vuitton and many other places that I picture in a movie and not my simple life but love to look in the windows. A stylish shoes seemed to fit my thoughts-- wondering if a giant Nike would have the same affect!
You know you are flying from Switzerland to London--- on Swiss Air, which I love--- when they pass you chocolate for your snack and show episodes of Mr. Bean!
What a difference walking up to the information desk and not asking if they speak English!! Ah.... bags in hand as we hit the underground tube and headed to our hotel in the Earl's Court area. The subway announcer voice, energy of a new place, bright lights, and diversity of people felt familiar-- thinking of New York with a British accent.... quite charming! Remembering this underground world of travel--
Samantha and I always have an adventure with the places we stay-- We rented a small apartment for 3 nights. As we walked up the four fights of stairs in an old building they had been painting the strairwell that day and which seemed to be stronger in our new flat than in the hall-- if that is possible.. We just laugh now wondering what is next. Our first night we couldn't figure out the heat and I slept in my coat-- the second night we found the heat and turned it on- only to wake up in the middle of the night in a fiery furnace... the third night we got it right! But it's all about location and we got that one right. The Earl's Court tube stop was just a 2 min. walk away!
First day...... lunch at Nando's, shopping at Daunt Books, Cath Kidson, Emma Bridgewater. Experiencing the charm of London before heading to a show, Wicked.
Books are my favorite travel treasures!
Day 2 was a train ride to Windsor Castle. Past and present wind together as we walk the streets. The history and stories these old stones hold while knowing that it is still used by the Royal Family makes those stories of old still seem alive. We arrived in time for the changing of the guard....
Our audio tour left me wondering how much history the world holds..... We visited the doll house room that was unbelievable. A huge doll house created for one of the little girls with the knife, fork, plate and tea cups on the tiny table, so many details. Tiny scissors in the sewing room... They even said it had working plumbing- no picture taking in here but lots of, "did you see that?", long sighs, and shaking of heads. Entering a different world.... With our heads overloaded and the wind picking up we stopped for hot chocolate to wonder what it would be live in this spot in history--
Dinner at Jamie Oliver's brought us back into the present!
Day 3 -- a marathon to see the sights! My favorite are the double decker buses! We jumped on one as we headed towards Buckingham Palace. A quick stop in Hyde Park wishing we had time for a bike ride--
Westminster Abby, taking time to warm up.... Big Ben, Parliment Building, London Eye, London Bridge, Tower of London, British Museum, and then a cafe for fish and chips.... and I thought a day with Kindergarteners was busy! ---But never too tired for a bit of evening shopping...
My favorite piece in the British Museum was called the Tree of Life. It was created by four artists in Mozambique made out of weapons. It added another layer to images I already have of a Tree of Life that heals.... Reminded me that good can always prevail.. A hopeful image!
Day 4 Valentine's Day in London! I love this happy Holiday--- Flowers in the train station, a walk to Kennsington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Victoria and Albert Museum, and shopping at Harrods. I could walk the streets of London for hours... Top the day off with a frosty diet coke and sugar cookie!
Back to Switzerland, home for now... Always feels good to sleep in your own bed.. A few days to take in deep breaths of winter, run my favorite trails before another week begins.. Yes I think a week off in February is therapy for my soul...
Re-reading the Hobbit-- this bit seems to fit my trail these days.... "Their bags were filled with food and provisions light to carry but strong to bring them over mountain passes."
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