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Greetings from London!
The Café is posting from "across the pond" this week, as we're visiting our daughter and her family in London. We arrived in the UK just four days ago, yet we already feel like we've packed in a ton of fun and great times with the family.
It seems that deja vu happens each time we visit this bustling city of eight million. Although we love to see and visit all the famous London sights, what we really enjoy most is just living every day life here, as it's so uniquely different from our daily routine at home in the States. And this time of year is, by far, our favorite time to soak up the every day life. After a typically cold and wet London winter, spring emerges in such a dazzling array of splendor, that a walk along the river Thames or through one of the many lovely city parks takes your breath away at every turn.
Of course, Scott has had his hands on his camera 24/7, and has had fun capturing all of our adventures thus far. We thought we'd share a bit of the London Spring so you could see why it's captivated us so.
The day after we arrived, we took a trip to our daughter's favorite market. Oh my, I see why she's so taken with it - the vendors offered the most beautiful, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, fish, cheese, honey, soup, eggs, pasta, greens, flowers ... check it out!
And then there's the parks. Oh, the amazing parks! Because many of the homes in London are row houses and are attached or stacked on top of each other, you don't find many big grassy lawns like we have back in the States. They totally make up for it though, with their parks. The parks are generously scattered throughout the city, and are wildly popular with young and old alike. At this time of the year, everyone is out enjoying the beautiful blooming trees and flowers of every hue and variety. Yesterday we rented bicycles and rode through Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James Park, all right in the heart of London. We cycled past Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral and Scotland Yard, so fun!
The river Thames runs right through the heart of London and the city has done a great job of making it a center of attraction. There are walking and biking paths that run alongside the lovely river for miles on end. It's a wonderful place for chattering children, starry-eyed lovers, pram-pushing nannies and strollers of all ages. History unfolds right before your eyes as ancient bridges, regal palaces or moss covered stone walls greet your eye at every turn. The Thames is only a two minute walk from our daughters home, so we find ourselves river-strolling at all times of the day and night.
Although London in springtime is spectacular beyond description, our most cherished moments have been with the family here. Together we've laughed, talked, played games, watched movies, picnicked in the park, worshipped in a beautiful old cathedral, learned magic tricks, read stories and so much more. What a precious gift to spend this time together!
Tomorrow Scott and I board the Eurostar and head to France where we've rented a little Paris flat for a week. We'll be sharing sights, culinary adventures and some delicious recipes from the beautiful City of Light.
Until then, cheerio!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Janice! They are the love of our lives, and the travel is just the icing on the cake!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
I had so many thoughts about your post.
The baby is not a baby anymore.
Where do you guys get all your energy?
The photos are gorgeous.
That market is to-die-for.
Paris - swoon.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I love London and her parks. I've had a nap in Green Park after a very tiring day. These photos would win prizes!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Wow - Chris, these photos are stunning! And, your grandkids are adorable! And - wow - that market! I wanna hop on a plane now...
John@Kitchen Riffs says
I agree that the best part of travel is experiencing and enjoying everyday life! We love renting placed with kitchens so we can go to the grocery store and then cook up something using ingredients that, even when they're the same as what we buy at home, are also different. Anyway, terrific pictures, lovely read -- thanks.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Chris did you steal some grandchildren? Those kids are far to grown up to be the littlies you have been talking about for years. When did the little man turn into a little man?!?
What a beautiful place and those markets look just wonderful.
Have a great time in Paris. I can't wait to read about your adventures.
Elizabeth Sunseri says
loved your photos; thank you for sharing! will you be using any of the unusual veggies? Did you stop to examine 'how Washed Jackets' or 'Mids were used'? Always fascinating to note how fruit and veggies (and dishes) are named in different countries! My personal experience has been that occasionally they bring with them the country's naming from where they were brought in from??? (as in the Swede)...I certainly hope that all are enjoying the great history there...so different from the states in many ways...God bless you and your sweet family! (How is the afternoon tea?)
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Elizabeth,
It's so true about how the veggies have different names depending on where you go. Sometimes it can be confusing! We do love soaking up the history, such a great way to learn. Thanks for your kind words.
Patti O'Reilly says
Chris and Scott,
Thanks for sharing your family and your talents! Strolling along side of that River would make my day. It makes me miss London. I loved every photo and can't wait to see more. Have a scone for me.
Yum, Paris is next! More pastry please!
PS.Miss you!
Chris Scheuer says
We miss you too Patti! Paris is absolutely lovely; both the city and the people.
Vicki Bensinger says
Oh Chris I always love the photos you all take of our family. Those kids are just precious! No wonder you're always traveling to London to see them, and how lucky you are to be able to do that often.
London looks beautiful in the spring with all the flowers blooming and brightening it up. Thank you for sharing those. You and Scott should submit those to a magazine. Just lovely!
Beverley Press says
How lovely for you to spend time in capitol city of London. The photos are gorgeous and your grandchildren must be thrilled to have you here visiting. xoxo
Marigene says
Beautiful photos! I chuckled when I saw the photo of the 3 adorable girls with the little brother in the stroller...that could have been me and my siblings 60 years ago! I wonder is the little guy is as spoiled as my little brother was?
Enjoy every minute you are there, Chris.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Chris and Scott - thank you so much for sharing this lovely adventure. I never knew London could be so beautiful in the spring. Have a wonderful time!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Tricia - It has been a remarkable spring, unusually mild!
Sophia @ NYfoodgasm says
What a fabulous life!!! Enjoy your time there!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sophia! We are having one of those incredibly memorable times that we'll cherish in our minds for years to come.
Ginny Hartzler says
Oh MY! Tell Scott he is an artist! His photos are so marvelous, so wonderful that it brought tears to my eyes ! His job should be professional photographer. And his EYE! He sees things that most don't, beauty everywhere. I have so much enjoyed these, and now I will go back to the top and start over again. I cannot wait to see what he does with Paris!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Ginny, this is Scott. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, it's an honor to receive. There is so much to see, both in London and Paris. Some of it is obvious, but other things you can miss, if you're in a hurry.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
So, so beautiful! Glad your trip is going well and have a wonderful time in Paris 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Jennifer!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Your photos tell such a wonderful story - the light is amazing! I can't wait to see what you come up with in your little Paris kitchen!
Chris Scheuer says
Sue, Scott says the light in the apartment is fantastic. We face the east, looking into the courtyard, and even the shadows are beautiful! We'll show you some more today.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
What gorgeous pics, Chris! Enjoy your time in the interesting city of London as well as your daughter and grandchildren.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Denise! Thank you for the compliment! Scott is as happy as a pig in mud; he has so many photo ops no matter where he turns his camera!
Debbie says
What beautiful pictures. Your family is adorable. Thanks for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
You're so sweet to say that Debbie, thank you!
Karen says
Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures. I can see you are enjoying time with your family. I am looking forward to seeing Paris through your eyes. Thanks for including us in your travels.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Karen, we'll try to give you a fun behind-the-scenes look at a truly remarkable city!
Allison McLean says
Chris, these pictures are beautiful! Of course the scenery and the market pictures were lovely, but the happy smiles and beautiful grandchildren stole the show! I am visiting my three in NY now (from NC). I look forward to reading about your culinary adventures in Paris! BTW, the lemon chess pie was a huge hit Easter! It's added to my favorites!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Allison. I'm so glad about the pie, our children are just nuts about it too!
Linda says
Oh Chris, I just love your blog - your writing and Scott's photos!! What a team and those grandchildren are so adorable. Looking forward to you being in Paris as we were just there in November and loved it. Have a wonderful holiday. Linda from Canada
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Linda, You are so kind. Our first post about Paris will be out later today - stay tuned!
Cindy says
What beautiful pictures and your grandchildren are precious. Have a wonderful time with them and in Paris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Cindy, our daughter Cait comes to visit us tonight in Paris, so it will be a very special time!
Mary says
Oh Chris, what a wonderful time you are having - the grandchildren look so adorable and happy! You are making me miss my home town!!! Isn't it just gorgeous in the Spring!
Mary
Chris Scheuer says
It truly is Mary! It seems like flowers and trees are blooming everywhere and anywhere!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
So cool and beautiful! You are a super oma, Chris. Those sourdough bread are amazing.
Brennie says
I'm really enjoying your trip journal. My three favorite things, grandchildren, food and all things English. This past Christmas, after 35'years of wanting one, I bought an Aga. One of the new City 24. That has given me the opportunity to combine cooking with memories of vacations in Great Britain..
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Angie, you are so kind! Wait 'til you see the breads of Paris!
E H W says
What a wonderful post! Beautiful photos of flowers, food and most of all, your beautiful family! Have a fantastic time in England and France!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you! It's been a wonderful whirlwind of sights and sounds - amazing!