Despite what the thermometer says, summer is over…at least during the week; weekends still equal beach in my book. Over here we’re back to school, soccer and swim (I’m guessing you’re in a similar boat?!). But that doesn’t stop me from reliving our summer trip to London every chance I get.
Our big summer vacation this year was a week in London! I couldn’t get over how much there was to see and do. We barely got through my list of “must-do” sights, and believe me, I had plenty more, including a trek to a gluten-free fish and chips place that just didn’t fit into our schedule. Next time for sure. I’ve been to London before, once in high school and once ages ago before kids, but this time I wanted to “live” in the city for a week through the eyes of a kid, but with a nod to the grown-ups in the room.
I’m still collecting all my photos into one place. Does that happen to you in this digital age? This trip we had photos on my little point and shoot, my iPhone, my husband’s iPhone and a nifty little retro Fuji Instax Mini 90 camera that does a blessedly wonderful job of blurring those lines and wrinkles that, ahem, come with getting older. (If I can get a decent scan of a photo where I actually look rested despite having bumbled about in the light mist of a London afternoon for a few hours, I’ll post so you can see for yourself the miracle that is the blurring via the Mini 90).
So! Until I get my photos all organized, I wanted to share something about myself: I love ephemera. You know, all those little pieces of paper you collect along the way on any journey you take. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved to collect all the little bits and pieces that come with travel. The tickets stubs from plays and musicals and concerts; postcards printed on warped paper, collecting dust in postcard trays outside small markets; pamphlets and booklets available for free at tourist information centers; even the little pads of paper found in every hotel drawer the world over.
Here are a few glimpses of the sights and sounds of our London trip, told through those sweet little pieces of paper that have absolutely zero value but which I love nonetheless.
Map of the British Library
We were so lucky to catch this show at the Tate Modern – Henri Matisse’s cut-outs, long my favorite artwork!
We LOVED Mamma Mia!!
The Natural History Museum – perfect place for kids & their parents
Sophie’s Steakhouse in the West End – dinner here after The Lion King – and they were GREAT about my gluten-free questions!
More London pics coming soon!
What wonderful memories you have – and your daughter is old enough to remember her trip with her folks.
I agree with you, and these are definitely memories to save for a lifetime!
Thanks. It’s great to relive the trip. Love, Dan