London, Week 2 & 3
Welcome back, my literary friends!
This week saw the end of my second week in London and my first House Sit for the U.K!
In my final days in London central, I enjoyed spending one afternoon walking the region surrounding Kings Cross Station and St Pancras, taking in the sights and the magnificence of the inside of these enormous stations!
I discovered a little church within walking distance of Kings Cross and a mouth-watering chocolate shop inside St Pancras’. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being awestruck by the beautiful sculpture of a reuniting couple that stands proudly at one end of St Pancras Station.
That night I had the pleasure of dining inside the fascinating Booking Office 1869 Restaurant. It has to be one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. If you are in London and haven’t stopped in at the Booking Office for a cocktail, you are missing out! The food was delicious, and the service was lovely.
I also had the pleasure of visiting the British Library and viewing an exhibit currently on display, ‘The Treasures of the British Library’. Handwritten notes from the likes of the musician Bach, Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. I can’t tell you how long I stood staring in awe at King George III’s library, encased in glass in the centre of the library. I have never seen such a beautiful presentation of historic literature before.
As Week 2 drew to a close, I ventured out to Watford, where my house sit was due to commence. I met my delightful puppy dogs and made immediate friends with my hosts. They were the most lovely human beings, and I was so blessed to have them as my first sit in the U.K. One thing my family introduced me to (which I am both happy about and instantly regret learning of!) was Hotel Chocolat and The Velvetiser. Perfect hot chocolate every time. When I came to London, I wondered if there was anything I’d ‘adapt to’ that I would want to take back home with me, and my goodness. I can honestly say I nearly cried when I learned that Hotel Chocolat do not ship internationally, and do not sell international versions of the Velvetiser. Safe to say, I will be buying an adapter and one of these magical little gadgets before I return home, for I have found something in London I cannot, or more accurately, will not, live without.
Watford is a lovely part of Greater London and I absolutely loved my time there. The gardens and park spaces were green and crisp, the locals friendly and welcoming. All amenities are within easy walking distance, not to mention the enormous shopping district on Watford High Street.
Highlights for Watford include:
Casiobury Park
The High Street Shopping
Waterstones Bookshop
My hosts also introduced me to Creams Cafe, which was a very bad idea after discovering the long list of waffles, cookie dough and icecreams available on the menu!
I did not get to the Harry Potter Studios during my stay, despite having time to visit, but my heart was set on attending with someone else to make the most of the experience.
At the end of my first house sit in the U.K, I can honestly say I’ve made friends for life. My host family were some of the kindest people I’ve ever met and even housed me last minute when my next sit was cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, due to the owners contracting COVID. I will be forever grateful to them.
It was back to London for a few days before heading to the next stop. I took the opportunity to check out the trendy Soho region, including stopping in for a cocktail at the W Hotel, strolling through the Lego Store and M&M world!
x A