Yearn to Wander

Christmas in Princes Arcade

It's a lovely Christmas Day in London, just like when we were young, sort of. Life is very quiet and local because neither the Tube nor busses are running. Instead of Westminster Abbey, we went to church around the corner. Instead of Chinatown, we had a nice local pub lunch of roast duckling and Eton Messe -- very good. Instead of running around town, we took a quiet walk in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

Hamburg Looking Across Rathaus and Elbe River from Mahnmal St. Nikolai Steeple

We came because it was on the way to Berlin, which we never reached, but we also found another wonderful city. In fact, Hamburg was voted the tenth most liveable city in the world in 2010.

Erasmusbrug, Iconic Symbol of Rotterdam

We arrived via the Chunnel from London. What a delightful surprise! We came to see the port, but have discovered a city brimming with architecture, bicycles, good food, and nice people.

Thames Path and River Through Oxford

Oxford and beyond included walking around the university city, a trip to Compton Verney, a lovely restored listed estate now housing an art collection, and lots of socializing with friends.

Big Ben Glimmering in London Sunlight

London is still full of wonderful sights and sounds.

London Walks provided an interesting two hour walk called Literary Bloomsbury. City Walks provided an interesting architectural walk of some of the Wren churches in the City.

Many City churches are offering a delightful series of organ concerts and other lunchtime concerts. St. Martin in the Field still offers wonderful concerts, and good food in The Crypt.