Thinking Allowed: London is calling

Part of the reason we are in the UK is because we wanted to visit Jakob's sister in her new London chic persona. It was an incredible few days as anyone who has visited Mari knows that she is not only endlessly exciting but an incredible hostess. When I say incredible I mean the type of hostess who accommodates nine guests in her two bedroom flat without second thought. London is its own bustling world. While Darlington seemed like the bread and butter of the country London is the magazine cover of England. There is a briskness in the air, there is history everywhere, everywhere you look rollicking good times are being had. There are so many people all the time and yet people dress as if they expect to be noticed. While the queen's visage and good name set the tone for the city, the Thames snakes through high rises as if it is the true crown prince. London sprawls endlessly into the countryside with a determination that hints of industry and empire. Despite chest colds and vomiting we had lots of city and family fun. There was walking and climbing and parks. There was high tea and museums and plays. There was coffee and cafes and friends. The kids got a real decent slice of London. More importantly though the kids got to spend such nice time with their aunt and cousins which is what we all missed the most living and the opposite end of the planet.