London Calling

A series of blog posts to follow, chronicling a Cook family adventure on the other side of the Pond.  Besides a series of non-stop Cook family group shots, I'm hoping to educate regular Wicked Good readers about some of the history, sights, and wonderment that is the United Kingdom.

Thanks in advance to our UK friends, who'll be taking front and center in some of the subsequent posts as the trip unfurls.

As many know, our beautiful Heather spent one of her Stonehill College semesters studying abroad, as a student at Queen Mary College at the University of London.  (Little did we know about a teacher's strike that would land amidst said semester.)

Our on-the-roads scholar spent four months on her own, becoming an expert on London's tube and expanding her academic horizons (and cooking repertoire) while growing into an even more mature and wonderful young woman.

You'll be hearing quite a few proud parent boasts about said daughter in the coming posts.

But first, after four months apart, we started things off with a mother and child reunion, only a motion away.  It was emotional, it was heartfelt, and it reaffirmed how close these two women are to one another hearts.

And then there's the brother and sister reunion.  Not quite as iconic, but the love's there nonetheless. 

Heather, hoping to ward off any jet lag as the other three members of her family caught up to UK time five hours ahead of the US, whisked us off right away for a leisurely afternoon wandering through the wild pathways of Camden Market.
The visit would also mark the first, but by no means last, of a failed quest for an authentic cup of coffee that would plague this addict's visit.

Camden, via its website,  Camden Market describes itself as a diverse community of creative sellers, street food traders, and independent stores next to the Regent's Canal.

With over 1,000 places to shop, eat, drink and dance in Central London, one could spend days trying out the various peddlers and eateries and not repeat yourself.

For instance, Cyberdog, home of futuristic fashion, rave outfits, and cyber club wear.  Not to mention cool iconic statuettes flanking its entrance.

A favorite of Heather's during her time abroad, the Cereal Killer cafe boasts over 120 different cereals to please your pallet.   I think Heather tried nearly all of its offerings.  And clearly, one of our children misunderstood the establishment's name. 

The picture speaks for itself 

Our friend Andy Foster tipped us off to the wonder that is Cornish pasties.  So naturally, I had to introduce myself to one on my first day there.  (It wouldn't be my last.)

Steak and chips, with an egg tossed in to boot.  He's off to a solid start.

The girls found a specialty donut shop.  (I might have sampled a bite for quality control.)

The bridge over Camden Lock provided a great opportunity to capture my three faves on film

One of many album covers Andrew would pose for over the course of his time in the United Kingdom.  Don't ask.  The guy was made for these gigs.

 

From Camden, it was on to Trafalgar Square, a public square in Westminster, built around what was once known as Charing Cross.  The square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain in October, 1805.

The square is protected by four lion statues. which were added in 1867.  Each of the lions weighs seven tons.

On to Westminster Abbey! 

Big Ben was under a bit of construction during our visit.  The bell inside the Elizabeth clock tower by the Houses of Parliament will be silent for four years. It's the longest the Great Bell will be taking a bong break in more than 150 years.

Eye only have eyes for these three

And then over to the royal residence for a visit with her majesty, the Queen.  Buckingham Palace was a nice way to wrap up Day One with a reunited Fab Four. 

So much more to explore in the days to come!  Time for a Cornish pasty break!