a london holiday weekend

This weekend we traveled all the way to London for a little holiday. Just kidding. We live here. But I did force suggest that Ben put down his books for one weekend and we treat this city like we do any other travel weekend.

Saturday started off just right. It began with a lovely run along Regent’s Canal, clearly one of London’s best kept secrets. It has a Venice sort of feel, the sun was shining just right, and the flowers were doing their thing. After passing through Regent’s Park we made our way through Marylebone High Street to make a quick stop in some of my favorite stores before finishing our run back home.

After showering up we headed to Seven Dials for their little festival. I like to call it our own little block party that went above and beyond our expectations. Music, free drinks, sales, and lawn chair in the center of it all.

St. Martin’s Courtyard is quite the little corner to check out.

Behold the chairs! These are my favorites.

Neal’s Yard is also one of my favorite places. Full of brightly colored walls and some of the best food. HOMESLICE. I have had my eye on this pizza place for quite some time. Hands down the best pizza in London. I recommend going at off times to avoid the long lines, and always do half and half to try two different flavors. We went for the courgette and artichoke on one half and chorizo, corn and coriander on the other. To die for.

After wandering all through the “dials” of seven dials through some of our favorite shops and a few purchases later we headed back to the flat may or may not accidentally napped. But do not fret, we woke up just in time to make our way to St. James’s Park for the most perfect sunset picnic.

I mean St. James’s really can not get any more beautiful. We both agreed picnics in the park are to become a regular thing this summer. Bring on the warm nights.

Hello handsome husband.

We sat right there in the park until the sun went down looking back over the year, talking about how much we love London, and getting excited for this summer. A great night indeed. Sunday morning started bright and early with breakfast at Dishoom, a Bombay Cafe, with delicious tea and coffee and our favorite naan rolls. Yes, please.

Then, we made our way back to St. James’s to take a look at all of the Victory in Europe Day planes, jeeps, and the most precious reenactors.

I mean, come on. It doesn’t get any better.

In other news, they sure know how to make a nice looking garden here. Every park is kept immaculately with color coordinated flowers and all.

On to Westminster to do our best to spot the QUEEN. I mean the thought alone was like Christmas. How silly that we have lived here for 9 months and have yet to sight a Royal. Sunday was the day. The Queen was joining around 1,000 veterans and their families at Westminster Abbey to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day. We have surely experienced a nice dose of British and European history and culture this past week with the elections and Victory in Europe Day marking the end of WWII 70 years ago. As the Royals started to arrive I got more and more excited and joined every other child who hopped on the shoulders or back of the nearest tall person (generally their parents, mine just so happen to be Ben. Thanks for the lift, Ben!)

Prime Minister, David Cameron, and his wife! Spotted. Also below is my fellow friend on the shoulders of his tall person.

QUEEN IN CAR. ELLOOO.

I mean look how cute she is! God love the Queen. God save the Queen.

At 11 all of the cathedrals and churches in London joined in to create a ‘moment of noise’ by ringing their bells. After all the important people made their way into Westminster Abbey, we commoners had the pleasure of enjoying the service stretched out on a nice patch of grass in Parliament Square. It was such a perfect Sunday morning.

I am particularly fond of their furry hats and happy tunes.

I marched along with them for as long as I could and even pretended to play my trumpet and drums.

And to top off our Sunday, another Queen sighting! Just squint your eyes and have super vision to see through the window.

With no school books allowed, this weekend of picnics, neighborhood block parties, and Queen sightings made for the perfect London “holiday weekend.”