Kim Wilbanks

Last week I told you about a “one day” trip I was taking to London.  I’ve been and returned home since.  It was a whirlwind of a trip but I’m so glad I went.  My friend and I packed a lot into 3 short days. click here to read

There were several “God winks” on our trip, things that happened to make us say “thank you, Lord”.

First, after traveling through the night, with little sleep, we were able to check into our spacious, hotel room well before the specified check-in time.  It felt good to freshen up, change clothes and brush our teeth before heading out on our grand adventure. 

After a few hours of exploring, we needed to find a ladies room.  We ducked into a doorway on the sidewalk and found ourselves in the most elegant little department store.  What a treasure!

Inside Fortnum & Mason

We ducked inside these doors in search of a ladies room – we were very glad we did

Produce section at Fortnum & Mason

Candy display at the elegant Fortnum & Mason department store

Later, we left the show we were attending before it was over but ended up having a delightful stroll past Big Ben and along the Thames.  (Travel note – do not plan on attending a 3-hour show the first night you arrive overseas).

Our seats at Les Miserables

Les Miserables at Queens Theater

Big Ben at Night

Strolling along the Thames

When we asked for directions to a store we wanted to visit, the next day, a kind lady said “follow me,  I’ll show you”.   We followed her and got a power walk in at the same time.

At the theater the second night, our last row in the highest balcony seats were upgraded to more reasonable seats on the ground level.  We were very excited when the usher directed us to row D, four rows from the stage.  The excitement came to an abrupt halt when the true occupants of those seats arrived with their tickets in hand.  Evidently, the usher misread the box office’s scribbled seat assignment.  We were supposed to be on row P.   Oh, well, it was still better than being in the nosebleed section.

Great show – you should see it

Set of Matilda

When we thought we were going to be on the 4th row

Our view of the stage

Our main reason for traveling to London was to attend the Vintage Garden Party at Highclere Castle outside of London.  I was anxious concerning our travel to Highclere.  It required taking the tube to the train station, buying a ticket and getting on the correct train to the town of Newbury and then getting a cab to the castle.  I live in Florida where we drive cars everywhere.  I’m not accustomed to subways and trains.  We got to the train station, bought our tickets from the vending machine and made it to the train with time to spare.  I felt so accomplished.

We made it on the train!

The train station at Newbury – I can almost imagine Mary or Edith waiting on the platform

It drizzled the entire time we were at the garden party but it did not bother us.  We were just tickled to be there.  We met the Countess and had our picture taken with her.  She was gracious and did not seem to be the least bit bothered by the gloomy day. 

Highclere Castle

Vintage Garden Party at Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

We met Lady Carnarvon and posed for a picture in the bazaar tent

We left London on a bright, sunny, Sunday morning.  When we stepped out of our hotel, the bells in the church on the other side of Trafalgar Square were pealing loudly.  It was a beautiful sound that brought tears to our eyes and reminded us to join in praise to our Father.

Trafalgar Square with St Martin-in-the-Fields in the background

The bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields serenaded us as we left London, reminding us to praise God

When we arrived by train at the airport, I noticed this sign along the corridor.  It was a good reminder of what this trip was about.  I hope to have many more adventures in this empty nest life of mine.