London, Dickens style, for Christmas

Lin and I went up to London today for another of the Charles Dickens guided walks  that we enjoyed so much before. this one was based on his Christmas books, and took us round the City alleys and hidden churchyards that feature - or are supposed to feature, in Dickens' Christmas stories. Supposed to, because as the guide said, Dickens kept the exact locations vague.  It was another fascinating tour.

We met however, at Kings Cross, and walked down to Tottenham Court Road (where we "happened" to pop into the flagship Paperchase store.... oops) sorry, where was I?  - past the St Pancras Hotel

 which is a truly gorgeous looking building

 we met the tour group at Bank tube station - by the Royal Exchange which has a fabulous Christmas tree outside

 and a very beautifully decorated entrance

 not to mention one of the Paddington's that are all over London to mark the release of the Paddington movie.

 and some Bus Art - which isn't something I'd heard of but will be looking out for more of these

first stop on the tour (and I can't remember all the stories; which isn't much help..)

 but this one I do remember - the George and Vulture - the pub where the Pickwick Club was founded and where the Dickens family even now meets on the Friday before Christmas for their family Christmas meal.

 Leadenhall Market - don't think I've ever been here before, but it's beautiful

 the tour guide Richard, in full Victorian costume (and megaphone today, as he'd lost his voice, but with a big group of 40, I think that would have been sensible anyway)

 the back of the George and Vulture
The tour finished about 4, so it was dark but Richard pointed us in the direction of One Exhange - for a glass lift ride up to the skyline to see some views over London... I persuaded Lin that as she's been brave on the tube today, we should check it out...

 Fab decorations on the way up (they were redder in real life)

 and boy, was the view worth it...

 and the sun was setting

 and London was looking fabulous!

 love the reflection of the sunset in the glass restaurant windows, and the fabulous cranes all around the skyline.

coming back down in the lift.

 and at ground level,

 beautifully lit trees

 and another Paddington!

 selfie time in a metal sculpture

it really was a lovely day, thanks for the company Lin, can't wait to to it again.

Deep and Crisp and Even...

Welcome back to my recently neglected photos blog!  I woke late this morning after a fabulous night our at my office Christmas party (drinks at Windows, a bar at the top of the Hyde Park Hilton with fabulous views over London) followed by a walk round Winter Wonderland and then dinner at the Oxo Tower on London's South Bank...Sadly no photos as I couldn't carry my camera.... anyhow, I woke late (for me) at 8.40 but it was so bright and frosty an beautiful, I made a snap decision to go to Kew.. and I am so glad I did, I took nearly 200 photos and it was perhaps the best visit I've ever had... sit back and enjoy - this could take a while!

 I arrived an hour later than usual, around 10.30. The frost was still heavy on the ground, and the gardens looked beautiful.

winter is a time for renewal and new planning, and they are working on the Broad Walk, for a stunning sounding new long border, to be completed the summer after next. should be good!

 I knew that "my" fountain would be looking good today, and I got quite carried away (these are just a few of the photos I took)

 the Dogwoods were looking colourful today

and the reflections were great too

 and the sunshine catching the water spray beautifully in the air

 still loads of frost on the grass especially

 inside the Palm House, they were spraying the plants and there was a warm tropical misty atmosphere

 back outside, and walked round the other side of the lake where the Dogwoods were reflecting in the lake

 more frosty grass pictures!

 just love the shadows of the trees in the frost

 and the sky, and leaves still so colourful

 off to the Henry Moore sculpture again, surrounded by frosty grss

 the frost was melting on the statue, creating drips - you may need to click on them to enlarge them to see better

 a quick selfie!

if I'd been able to stay till 2.30 they were going to have carol singing in the Orangery restaurant here..
but I was tired after my late night, and had to head home.

Hope you've enjoyed today's photos - I have lots more, but think this will have taken you long enough to look at!