- when we arrive at the train platform either the train has just arrived or will be arriving within one to two minutes
- "mind the gap" is a constant announcement given there can be quite a distance between the platform and the train car
- you 'tap' your Oyster card entering the turnstiles and tap your card out when exiting the turnstiles
- announcements about "good service" meaning those particular train lines have no problems
- organize the entry and exit paths to make it as efficient as possible for their riders
- mostly riders are pretty courteous and thoughtful
Overcast day today and forecast indicates rain showers. There is some rain during the day which is really the first bit of poor weather during our stay. We are meeting Tina and Maxwell at the Harvey Nichols store in Knightsbridge for 10:00 am. Tina is taking today off work. Pretty easy to find this department store as it is located across the street from the Tube station. We arrive early and drink our Starbucks Chai while we are standing outside in the chilly air. Lana and Tina/Maxwell enjoy shopping at this seven floor department store while I check my emails and do some people watching. Lana buys a Pie cookbook from the Cookbook section!!
Eventually the ladies want to get some lunch. Tina recommends BAO Soho located not too far of a walk from the department store. We arrive before opening at 12 Noon and there is already a queue across the street. We join the end of the line and are some of the first people welcomed. Each unit of the queue is escorted by one of the staff into the restaurant rather than many of us at the same time. The "bao" is the same kind of steamed bun that New York's Momofuku restaurant serves (Chinese steam bun = comfort food). Very clean new place with lots of modern touches and small tables. We really enjoy each dish so it was another good choice by Tina.
Sweet potato chips
Bao classic pulled pork
Fried chicken pieces with a hot spicy Korean sauce
Bao pork belly (this was Lana's favourite!)
Bao lamb shoulder with cilantro sauce and thinly sliced jalapeño pepper
More shopping after our delicious lunch so off we go for a walk in the rain. First stop is Liberty London department store. This Tudor-revival building is on Regent Street and has been in existence since 1875. They have a plaque of employees who died in WWI. I find a comfy seat while the ladies are off shopping and have a free newspaper. Really old store with wooden beams built around an atrium. Nothing purchased though.
Liberty London department store
The famous Carnaby Street. This is an icon from the 70s where the hip young people purchased their clothing. Inclusive of the Beatles and other famous musicians and artists.
Some other shopping opportunities/stores come across our way. Then Tina helps us find Dominique Ansel bakery as we are all keen on having a cronut. Basically, this is one incredible croissant-donut pastry invented by Ansel and made its debut in NYC. Raining pretty hard on our way there, but once we got up to order our three cronuts they were completely sold out! Yikes! We found their covered outdoor patio in the rear (heat lamp) and closed the glass doors so Maxwell could roam a bit. The treats were tasty, but they were not cronuts!
Cronut picture
Tarte tatin (French apple tart) with clotted cream on top. Very yummy, but not as yummy or desirable as a cronut!
Lana's crispy rice peanut butter mousse
Our next stop will be St. James Park located beside Buckingham Palace. Decision to jump in a black cab to get to the park. Interesting that the black cab can accommodate four persons as their are two drop down seats that face the rear. Tina tells us that you know the Queen is in Buckingham Palace as the flag is at the top of its mast. Lots of fun with Maxwell in various parts of the park. Chilly day now with the wind. Large pond in the middle of the park with many birds. We walk around the park and back towards the city buildings on the perimeter. Large walking paths and many fellow tourists in this popular area/park.
St. James Park
This signage is right beside the pond and confirms the area and the Royal birds that live here
Into the Green Park Tube station and then up top and onto Oxford Street. Lana wants to shop at Selfridge's huge department store. Tina/Maxwell and myself find a pub (Greene King) close by and enjoy a beer and lemonade. Lana is due back by 18:30 so we can then navigate for dinner. Lana does show up right on time, but only after a momentary freak out in the department store as she has challenges finding the correct exit door again.
Selfridges Department Store Oxford Street
Jacket that interests Lana at Selfridges Department Store
Tina has made reservations at her favourite fish and chips restaurant called Mayfair Chippy.
Fish (cod) and chips with tartar sauce
Chips with Berkshire cheese and truffle salt.
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Double Creme and Sponge Toffee Bits!!
Fitbit indicates over 15 kms walking today. Lana likely did more with the walking around while shopping. A very English experience today with the cuisine, beer, pub and shopping in the centre of London. To bed a little after 22:30 tonight. Should be another busy day tomorrow. Weather forecast is sunny skies.
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