Tales of a Shoebox Princess

 On Sunday, we headed out on a day trip to Dover and Canterbury. We got up early and headed for what we thought was the pick-up location. We waited. And waited. Jim made some calls to see what the deal was and was assured that the bus was on the way. After a while, out of hunger, I sought out a pastry shop, but was interrupted by Jim who said the bus was finally there. I think the issue was that we were a pre-pick-up. We were being picked up before the actual gathering spot for the day trip group and I think they forgot about us.  We got to Dover first. Jim and I went to the underground hospital tour, which was wonderful. It was damp and cold in the caves, and we weren't allowed to take pictures. The caves were used for a little while as a hospital during WWII. I can't imagine working underground in dim lighting, being cramped all day long.  After the tour of the cave, Jim and I made our way with Hayley up to the castle area. We'd watched Secrets of Great British Castles ...

 After the Globe Theater tour, we wandered along some London streets by the river (Thames) and Hayley took off for the London Tower. Jim and I decided to visit the Victoria and Albert museum. A sewing machine! My machines are not this pretty, but I bet they have more stitch options.  I'd like to ride around in this. I would need a ball gown though because if you are riding around in a carriage like this, you are going to a ball where you might meet a prince. I wonder how bumpy the ride would be? I would wear these!  I don't know how women managed daily function in this kind of dress (although it would be nice to have bumpers like that in public places to keep people from invading my personal space). How can you even sit down? I guess this is the same type of dress all folded up. And that is one small waist. My waist would only fit in the skirt part of that dress. The decor is almost overwhelming. After the museum and a bit of a rest, we met back up with Hayley for dinner ...

 I like a good breakfast, and we had some good ones. Eggs and salad! Jim's Egg Benedict with Spinach Hayley had a whole plateful of breakfast My eggs benedict with bacony ham. Or hammy bacon. While Katie and Christian and children went their way (Tower of London), Jim, Hayley, and I went to the Globe Theater! I would love to put on a costume that included this underlayer! But I would not want to wear it as actual real-life every day clothing. Although I would totally wear this all day long.  Such literary history has been made on this spot!  The current Globe theater is not the original structure, but it's a great place to hear about literary, political, and societal history that made this spot the tourist draw that it is. We didn't see a play (just took a tour) but it would have been cool. Maybe if we ever go back, we can plan for a performance here. Nobles who wanted to be "seen" sat above the stage the poor people could stand where we were standing. And they in...

After the Princess Diana memorial playground, it was time for me to fulfill a bucket list item, visit Liberty of London. I've heard of Liberty fabrics, which are expensive here in the states, and I'd wanted to see their stock in London. We had an afternoon tea to attend close by later in the afternoon, so it was just a matter of finding the building and having a look around. I bought 2 meters of 2 kinds of fabric, which they very nicely wrapped up individually into little cellophane bags. I don't have photos of me looking at all the fabric, but Katie does. The store isn't a fabric store, it's more of a home goods departments store. The fabric is on the 4(?)th floor. Katie and the girls found a nice chair to sit on while I perused the bolts of chic fabric. It's a lovely building! with some very interesting lobby art!  Our afternoon tea was at the Sanderson hotel. We dressed up a little bit for it. The theme was Alice and Wonderland. Coloring pages and crayons wer...