Going with the Flow

Sometimes the best plans just don't happen, no matter how well you've planned,  and this past week in London, with the spring weather turning into snowy weather, our trip to the countryside with the American Women's Club group to see Chartwell and Ightham Mote was cancelled. So what do aspiring gals do who have the day already cleared for a day trip?

We improvise! After some research by our fearless leader, Eve, we headed to the beautiful 16th century grand house, Syon House, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, where his family has lived for over 400 years.

It was opening day for the spring season, and the guides could not have been more "chatty," sharing stories and anecdotes about the tales and visitors to this beautiful home.

Interior pictures were not allowed but you can see plenty here on the Syon Park website. The home was largely refurbished in the 18th century by Robert Adams, the most famous architect of his time, who designed a suite of rooms that will knock your socks off with their loveliness.

In between snow showers and frigid temperatures, we toured the grounds after the home tour, where we saw the Grand Conservatory, built in 1830.

Attached to the home is an amazing garden store

which makes for fun shopping in the shadow of the grand house.

Dressed for the frigid weather and armed with our maps,

we turned what was a disappointing experience to a fun day just outside of the city near Richmond.

To top it off, we had a delightful lunch, with the yummiest carrot-coriander soup I've ever tried. Must look for a recipe for myself.

That evening I was scheduled to join Cristen, along with her mother and aunt, to see the extremely popular Matilda musical. After trekking all the way there in misty cold weather, we arrived to find that the area was experiencing a black-out, and sadly, the show was cancelled.

So disappointing, but for the second time that day, we racked out brains for an alternative game plan.

How can you go wrong with a nightcap at Laduree? We headed to their Covent Garden location

for a treat to comfort us in our distress.

Instead of their traditional macarons, I opted for one of their delicious lemon tarts. So, so rich and decadent, that I thought I would just eat half and save the other half for the next day. Alas, the waiter wasn't willing to wrap it up for me to take it home, so what does a gal do?

"Force" myself to finish every single crumb.

And let it be said, it was blissful torture!

Covent Garden

Scores of tourists head each day to the ever popular Covent Garden, but as a local, I too love wandering around the square in my free time--it's one of the liveliest spots in town.

Originally in medieval times, the location of a produce garden supplying Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden has changed in many ways through the years. In the 1630's, the Earl of Bedford commissioned Inigo Jones to build an elegant residential area for his wealthy friends. Jones designed the homes around a piazza modeled after one he loved in Italy.

Even at this time, there was an open air market on the south side of the fashionable square surrounded by arcades of fine houses.

The St. Paul's Church, also built on one side of the square was completed by Inigo Jones in this period of development. It was under the portico of this church that the infamous Professor Henry Higgins met up with the cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle in the "My Fair Lady" story.

The area fell into disrepair and suffered in reputation over a couple of centuries, but in 1833, the central market was covered and fruit and vegetable wholesalers moved in.

Today you might find one or two fruit stands, 

but the Apple Market is better known today for its craft vendors

who take great pride

in their wares.

Nearby is the Royal Opera House, but on most days crowds gather inside the covered market to

be entertained by opera singers or classical musicians playing below.

You can always find snacks and a great meal both inside

or at one of the outside cafés

and have a ringside view of the crowds who gather to watch

entertainers and comedians put on popular shows. I can't recall what this entertainer was doing, but the by-standers seemed quite willing to participate in his little plan!

Street entertainers are abundant

on all paths leading to the square.

Shopping in the Apple Market shops is always fun, as well as just outside in the Jubilee Market, where vendors set up different stalls daily. There's something for everyone during the week: general items, arts and crafts and antiques rotating in and out.

Quite popular and recently opened is the mega Apple store which is the largest in the world.

And exciting for me was the opening this year of the Covent Garden Ladurée cafe and shop

with its towers of macarons in their front window display.

If you make it to London, be sure and include Covent Garden in your plans!