Kenwood, Hampstead, British Library, and the British Museum

Wednesday morning, 6 July, we caught the 390 bus at the stop just around the corner from our flat and rode all the way up to the Archway Station. The 210 took us up the hill to Highgate and Kenwood House. And the 210 took us back to Waterlow Park so that we could walk down to Parliament Hill by way of the park, Highgate Cemetery, and Swain's Lane. We had sandwiches from Tesco Express and Kalendar bakery on Swain's Lane. The bakery was the winner for sure. We took in the view of London from Parliament Hill and continued on to Hampstead village by way of the bathing ponds. The Northern Line took us to Kings Cross St. Pancras where we hoped to see platform 9 3/4, but after the major rebuild of the station, the fake site is quite prominent and was slammed. We went into the British Library and saw all of their treasures on display in one room. We took a Piccadilly train to Covent Garden and passed a bit more time than we had the night before. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the National Gallery followed by dinner at the Leicester Square Wagamama. That evening we attended a performance of The Phantom of the Opera. It was good, but as Anna noted, they needed to dust the set.

 Always the first one up and dressed

Louisa headed to the bus stop

 Enjoying the view from the top of the 390 bus -- sort of

 "The rooftops of London" from Hampstead Heath

 The crew at Kenwood House

 I love Vermeer

 My favorite Franz Hals

 Hearing about Adam's library restoration

 Fine Adam plasterwoork

 Another traditional photo spot

 Kenwood House from the lake

 The lake

 England is blessed with beautiful gardens

 Sharing treats at the 210 bus stop

 Scaling the walls and fences at Highgate Cemetery

 This part of the cemetery is overgrown and moody

 Ready to head up Hampstead High Street

 Up out of the center of the earth

 Hoards at King's Cross Station waiting in line to take a photo

 St. Pancras is now home to a high-end Marriott

 Those Victorians knew how to make interesting buildings

The British Library

Jane Austen's writing desk and a manuscript of Persuasion
 
 
The Beatles Help and Yesterday

 Cockney performers at St. Paul's in Covent Garden

 The Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery

 Regrouping in Trafalgar Square

 Regrouping always involves treats

 Her Majesty's Theatre

Excitement in the air

Still on schedule and having a great time.

OXO

D.