December 7, 2014

Home Again!

After ten jam-packed days in the UK, I arrived home on Friday evening, totally exhausted but full of happiness with all that I’d done and everyone I’d seen! It was a great trip, almost completely flawless, including the weather, with only one day of rain.IMG_6608

This trip was different from any others I’ve taken to the UK for several reasons. I used AirBnB to book my accommodations and had three very good experiences.

I stayed on a canal boat in Regents Canal in London, IMG_6604a town-house in Cardiff and then a 300-year old warehouse conversion in Brick Lane in London. IMG_7265

The hosts at each place were terrific and it was fun to meet new people. After a few minutes chatting, we found commonalities, which made it an experience that you’d never have at a hotel.

For me, this trip was about the people and the experiences, not the shopping or sight-seeing, although I managed a bit of that, too. I met up with fellow bloggers, CouldaShouldaWoulda, Yonks, and House of Beauty & Culture, who was one of the “original” design bloggers. These friends, who were once virtual, have become real friends and my life is richer for knowing them.IMG_7006

CouldaShouldaWoulda took me to the Royal Academy, which I’d never visited! It was simply amazing and it will become part of my next London itinerary. She also took me to see Ham Yard Hotel because she knew I’d love it, and she was right. IMG_6335

Our visit to Assouline Books right across from the Royal Academy with their selection of new and vintage furniture and books was so much fun so see. IMG_6313

Even more fun was chatting with the handsome book repairer who gave me some tips on restoring and preserving old books. IMG_6318

Yonks and I spent the afternoon at an auction just outside of Cardiff. I’d met her on-line and then in person two years ago when we spent an afternoon touring my old school on the coast of Wales. The auction was so much fun, and even though I swore I wouldn’t bid, I couldn’t resist the pieces and their prices. IMG_6703

We worked out ahead of time which pieces each of us would bid on, and even split one lot of silver. Check out her shop here, and check to see what new things she’s adding, because they’re going to be great!IMG_6700

House of Beauty & Culture, was, as I mentioned, one of the early design bloggers. I met him at his stall at Westbourne Grove off Portobello Road, and we became fast friends, spending most of our time together laughing our heads off!IMG_6629

We did that again over a leisurely late lunch of seafood, some of which was new to me like the delicious but badly named whitebait.IMG_6637

Next post will be my favourite images from the trip! Stay tuned.

18 comments:

  1. Strange Meg, but missing you :-)
    Di
    X

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  2. You were such a good sport about moving from the V&A to the RA. That bookbinder was really gorgeous and while book preservation is a topic that interests me he made it even more entertaining. I can't wait for you to visit agsin!

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    1. So glad I finally got to the RA! When I got home, a friend was shocked that I'd never been before. He's got a membership even though he lives here because he loves it so much!
      xo

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  3. Hi Meg, Sounds like you didn't waste a minute of your vacation. Great adventures in this post, and I look forward to heading about the rest.
    --Jim

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    1. I might have wasted one afternoon taking a nap, but that's about it!

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  4. What a fantastic trip. That fish platter is making me very hungry and more than a bit jealous. I guess you are hitting the deck running!! xoxo Mary

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  5. I have loved hearing about your trip, and the photos. I could tell you were having such a good time.

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  6. wishing a wonderful welcome home + great photos. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  7. A trip making new friends and having these amazing experiences is just perfect Meg!
    The blog ladies you met up with are wonderful and I love your auction choices!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  8. I was just there in September, primarily to see Kate Bush perform at the Hammersmith Apollo. (What an amazing show that was!) We happened to discover St Pancras and King's Cross Railway Station for the first time and were so impressed by the architecture. I adore London for the same reasons I love NYC. They are full of surprises and offer a seemingly endless supply of things that are new to me.

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    1. The St. Pancras station is especially impressive after the recent renovation!

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