A Tea Party For Two

Today was our free day in London, aka the best day of my life. Honestly, I couldn't have dreamed anything more wonderful. We started the day with breakfast on-the-go as we headed toward the Tower of London. This is where the royal jewels and crowns are kept. It was the most breathtaking thing to see the details and the artistry that went into every crown. I loved it so much I went through three times! I'm pretty sure that the security guard laughed at me the last time...

After spending a few hours there we wandered over to St. Katharine's Dock to have light cheese and meat platter as we watched the boats pull in and basked in the sun. And then we caught a taxi cab to take us to Foreman & Mason for High Tea.

Yes, high tea. I know I'm squealing on the inside, too. It was actually a dream. Ever since I was a little girl I had my own tea set and parties filled with my stuffed animals and dolls. So actually being present at a real tea party was just the best thing. I took the elevator to the third floor, and when it opened. The most magical scene was set before my eyes. It was a room filled with white linen tablecloths and robin eye blue wall paper. A british woman welcomed me and asked for my name as a pianist filled the room with music. I was lead to my table and brought champagne and a menu of their teas. Fresh flowers overflowed the room as waiters floated around like they were performing a waltz. We ordered and soon after a set of plates filled with tea sandwiches, scones, fresh jam and other tasty delicacies. I ordered the wedding blend tea which was made in honor of Kate and William's engagement, I poured in my milk and added a couple of sugar cubes. The next hour and a half was blissful. The little girl inside of me giggled as I was beaming with joy. I love the tradition of high tea. I wish we did it back in the states. Obviously, not as a glamorous every time. But taking time out of your day to sit and enjoy a pot of tea and some good conversation. I have learned that the British are very intentional with their time. They do not hurry the things that are important. They enjoy the people that surrounds them. I think that is a lovely tradition to maintain and treasure.

After tea we wandered around a shopping district and stopped in a store called Cath Kidston, where we spent more than we probably should have. But, nevertheless we headed onto Kensington Palace which is the residence of William and Kate!!! (Reminder: I am obsessed with them) And then took a stroll through Hyde park to finish the afternoon.

We headed back to the hotel to get ready, because that evening we were seeing London's  Wicked at the famous Apollo Victorian Theatre in the West End. Though I had already seen Wicked many times, I was still eager to see it! I laughed a little at the British accents, but it was still good. My favorite part was the song Glinda and Elphaba sing after finding out they are roommates. Part of the chorus of the song is, "and I will be loathing you my whole life long."

But in British it sounded a little more like "Ehnd eye will beh low-thang yew my hole life long." I lost it completely. It sounded so silly to me! But I gained composure after that, and got use to it as I watched the rest of the show.

It was the most perfect day. A day fit for a queen....well at least I can pretend, right?!

xoxo,
Claire Marie