We set out, on the tube, for a destination that would make some people, one person I know in particular, crazy to get to see in person.
Riding the tube in London is always interesting because you go underground in one neighborhood and get out in an entirely different neighborhood, sometimes feeling like you just got out in another country.

When we emerged from the tube it was a British neighborhood we had not seen before.

And thus began our trek to this building.

And this intersection.

The road….

The building……

The intersection was where the front cover of the Beatles last album was photographed and the building is the studio where it was recorded. The album? Abbey Road of course!

Next, a walk, back through neighborhoods,

Where there lies hidden little parks.

.

And a hefty walk to Selfridge’s, the department store, where I learned (and I may be the only person in the world to not know) that Paddington Bear is from right here in London.

Well, how about checking out Harrod’s? A short walk across Hyde Park we are told.
It’s 5 pm but pitch dark and the walkways are crowded as hell, and there appears to be.. What is it? A carnival? In the middle of winter?

That is exactly what it is!!!
Winter Wonderland. And it is obviously a well known and sought after event.

Acres and acres of rides, theme areas, ice rink, live music, carousel…it’s huge!

And finally to Harrod’s. We were told to look at the Christmas decorations. Oh, but the building is breathtaking! Historic, with craftsmanship like you will never find in a modern store.
I just stood in the Egyptian room marveling at the stone carved benches, the ceiling, the walls and the lighting.

I saw simple sheath dresses for $1500. I saw a Gucci dress in a glass case with an alarm cord running through and around it. I saw Valentino that brought tears to my eyes with it’s beauty and quality. In no store have I ever seen such beauty, quality, and timelessness.

Back out into the cold. The tube is closed because there are too many people attempting to travel it. We are told to try the next station. Same thing. Try the next station. Finally we find a station open and along with everyone else on the platform force our way onto the tube before the door slams shut behind us and off we speed back to our flat.
It has been a long day. Much walking. We both comment that we are now about a foot shorter than we were this morning when we started out because we have worn our legs down to bloody stumps.
Oh well…..we will do it all again tomorrow because we are on the trip of a lifetime. We are in London!