It's hard to believe that we have been living in England since July and this was my first trip into London on the train! Well, there are many new places to discover in and around our little village. I had to go to the Chinese Embassy in London to get a visa to visit China. I need a Shanghai fix and a catch up with some friends, before they too move on! Perfect excuse for a day trip!
Was a quick 45 minute trip into London, then I jumped on the tube to go and meet my friend. My train was packed and I thought I may have to bring in my Chinese learned tactics of 'elbows out and barge through' to get off at my stop. Thankfully the British have train etiquette sorted and I got off easily!
Can feel the history steeping from the old buildings and nice to see some interesting architecture in the new ones too!
King Prawn and Chilli Linguine |
Crab and Scallop Risotto |
Jamie's Italian Threadneedle Street |
We then had a lovely walk to the Chinese Visa office to lodge my visa application. Was quite bizarre to see the flag of China fluttering above the traditional red London phone box.
Christmas Decorations are going up |
Love the Carnaby Street take on Christmas decos |
Beautiful old building, home of Liberty of London |
Was nice to see to see, at a flower shop, the pair of Chinese Lions, guarding the entrance. These Shishi (stone lions) are all over China, guarding entrances to temples, shops, restaurants, hotels and even homes. They are always in pairs, a male and a female. The male on the right and the female on the left as you enter the building.
Female Lion |
The female always has a cub under her left front paw, representing the cycle of life. She protects the people in the building.
Male Lion |
The male has his right front paw on a ball, representing the earth. He protects the structure.
On arrival back at my village station, I was rewarded with a beautiful sunset over the fields. A lovely ending to a wonderful day. I must get into London more often..so many adventures to be had in such a fabulous city!
Jamies Italian
Ground Floor
38 Threadneedle Street
London
EC2R 8AY
Tel: 0203 005 9445
Pangs of jealousy....Threadneedle Street (fave street name, so Dickensian), Liberty of London (fave store in the whole world)! And I never knew that about the stone lions!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Threadneedle Street such a great name! Ahhh Liberty...will be paying another visit when we all go in to see the London Christmas lights! Glad to have enlightened you on the stone lions :)
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