Family and Food in London

We were so excited for our quick stop in the UK for many reasons:

family catch ups

surprise visits

drinkable tap water

scrubbing the dirt off

stocking up on supplies

delicious and abundant food options

(Just to name a few!)

My cousin, Lisa, kindly offered to let us stay, which was super generous as they have a busy life and were in the panic stages of buying a house – a messy, conviluded process. The first night, I took Rugrats 1 and 2, to a Harry Potter themed escape room. The room consisted of several “subjects” we had to pass by finding and solving clues and puzzles – some easy, some very challenging. I don’t want to give anything away, but we all had so much fun!

On Saturday, Craig and I walked along the river to Richmond in the warm, Spring sunshine. We stopped at Tesco (Craig wanted to see if they still sold a “delicious” wrap) and Whole Foods (I wanted kombucha and other yummy things I’d missed). We splurged on a $6 Red Velvet Cupcake from Hummingbird Bakery. It deserves capital letters and can only be described as life-changing!!! We found a spot on the crowded riverbank to enjoy the sun and eat. On our way back, the tide had changed and the river had flooded the walkways home!

Rugrat 1 had school camp for a week in France, lucky thing! So, Craig and I took Rugrat 2 to explore the city on Sunday. We gorged at Brick Lane markets, devouring falafel, kebab and Brazilian doughnuts.

Wandering over to Oxford Street, Rugrat 2 was excited to spend her pocket money on a new top. We spent ages exploring Hamley’s toy store – 5 levels of fun and excitement! We strolled down South Bank, letting the sun warm our faces as we watched an listened to street performers. Noticing many tuxedos and fancy dresses, we found out the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Art awards) was happening. We tried to spy celebrities on the red carpet, but we had no idea who any of them were!

We were bursting with excitement about a family BBQ to surprise Cora and Stan, who had no idea we were in the UK. It was a confidential mission with many people involved and sworn to secrecy. Unfortunately, Cora was really sick so it had to be cancelled. We managed to go over for a huge roast chicken dinner and stay the night, Sharon even managed to pop in and say “hi” after work. It was brilliant to catch up and see their excitement as they Skyped my grandparents for the first time!