Wednesday, July 1, 2009

It feels so good...

Scott Crandall was in the Mother Land for some secret business affairs and asked if we wanted to go over and visit him. Yes, yes we did.
So, Friday evening we hopped on a train at 8:30 and arrived in the St. Pancras station around 9:30. We then went searching for the hotel Scott was staying at. Al was getting a bit tired of searching for the hotel and I don't blame him. It was late, we were tired, and carrying luggage. But I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't ecstatic wandering those streets.
Finally, we were almost to Hard Rock on Piccadilly when we heard "Breathes!". Naturally, I didn't respond and walked right past Scott but Al wouldn't have missed a call such as that.
We dropped our stuff off at the hotel and immediately made our way to Waterloo station to catch a train to Wimbledon. With a couple of sleeping bags and one "camping blanket" we headed to The Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club around midnight, picked up our "Queue Card" from a Wimbledon steward and set up camp for the night.

No, that's not us. We prefer natural, star-filled, sky covering.


Unfortunately it was one of the busiest years they've had in a while because Andy Murray (some big shot English tennis player) was playing the next day. So, despite our best efforts to get there early (12 hours early mind you) we were numbers 2458, 2459 and 2460. Needless to say we didn't get the kind of tickets we were hoping for, but still saw some excellent matches.

It should be a surprise to no one that Al slept like a baby.

Recognize this guy? Rebb...



Pooped.

Jalena Jankovic, looser. Come on JiJi, come on.
Melanie Oudin, 17 year old, American winner!

James Blake and Mardy Fish doubles.

Gilles Simon


Best Egg McBritishMuffin ever, Strawberries & Cream, Pizza, Iraqi Cuisine and Park Lane Hotel: Thanks Uncle Bain and Scott. We totally owe you guys.

London Town

Evensong at Westminster Abbey

Kellee & Mairin
London '07

Hyde Park

Hare Krishna parade on Piccadilly.
I say Hare, you say Krishna.
Let me see your Hare Krishna!

Trafalga Square



...so good to be back.
-annie

7 comments:

Mandy said...

I'm so jealous!! I want to go back to London so bad. Looks so fun!

Mama Judy said...

How did I know I would have children that are such citizens of the world?
Looks like so much fun.
Annie, if you can write your comments in a darker ink it would really help my 60+ eyes. Thanks so much for putting this blog together. I love seeing your beautiful faces. Keep those pictures coming! Love, Mama Judy

Malcolm said...

Annie, What a great blog! Thanks for your comments and pictures. I especially liked the comment about the Hare Krishnas. It looks like you are having so much fun. I agree with Judy about the color of your typing. It is hard for old er.... I mean... more seasoned eyes to read. Love you pictures. See if you can figure out how to but a video on the blog. Love to hear from you. Dad.

Charles Stewart said...

Annie, That was me as "Malcolm". Dad.

Stacey Sargent said...

oh london, how i love you so. my mom and i did the wimbledon trek when i was there, and happy to say we got on the second court (but it wasn't the 2nd week mind you).
these pictures make me sick with envy...the ice cream with the little chocolate sticks. i want to go back, and bring my husband.

how long are you guys in europe? im so jealous it's weird.

Kellee Marie Cook said...

ANNE! You're in London!! (without me) ahhhh I love love love all your pictures and am sooo jealous. I've been replaced by dear sweet alex. I appreciated you recreating the mair and kel picture though with those ice creams. I hope you've remembered to think of me every now and again- your true london pal.. soooorry al.

love and miss you both.

Rebecca Ann Groesbeck said...

haha! uncle bab, is that you?? i am filled with jealousy and a slight bit of rage that i'm not there with you. ahhhhhh love and jealousy. miss you.