All Accounted For

I was up early today because my sleep is still off – I’m sure I did sleep, but it felt very superficial. Kirsten got up with us and we decided to go for breakfast at Ottolenghi. I promise you that I will never tire of the place.

Brad and I headed out to Hampstead for a walking tour and Kirsten and Paul went up to Primrose Hill and over to Buckingham Palace. We all got lots of fresh air.

I think Paul walked Kirsten about 9 miles around London. No problem eating these.

Brad and I learned about a gorgeous, pastoral area of London called Hampstead, home to many artists from the past and present – so many artists, writers and poets have lived here because of the views and landscape. The real draw is the Heath, an enormous woodland area that makes you feel as though you’re in the Cotswolds.

After the walk, we went over to Kenwood, a beautiful English estate given to the country by the Guinness family and chock full of exquisite art work. The home, grounds, furniture and art are just so uplifting they are almost spiritual.

Unlike Sir Richard of the Wallace Collection, there doesn’t seem to be any seedy story behind it, and you can almost feel that within the place.

We got the call that Jeff and the girls landed (after 10 hours in the air), and we headed over to their flat to get them checked in.

It was a joyous reunion and everyone is so excited to be in London together!

They did a quick change and met us for a proper Sunday Roast at The George, with special guests, Kim and Nicholas Furnald, who were also in London.

We talked and laughed and traded seats and drank and ate and even had sticky toffee pudding. A lovely end to a beautiful English Sunday – a walk in the woods followed by a sumptuous dinner with family and friends around the table. Such happiness.

The V’s trotted home to get some much needed rest, and a proper English taxi miraculously appeared to whisk us home and keep us under 6 miles today. A good time had by all.