Mother & Daughter Bonding Time

On Monday afternoon, I found Mom sipping a hot chocolate in the arranged meeting cafe. It was somewhat miraculous, yet so commonplace at the same time, to see such a familiar face so far from her usual habitat. But wonderful all the same.

Since then, we have been busy, busy. Monday we went to the British Library, one of the first things I had first explored. The rain prevented any further excursions except for grocery shopping. Ah, I love grocery shopping, especially w/ Mom. We picked up some crumpets for breakfast (Mom was not a fan, however).

Tuesday we toured the east side of London, including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Millenium Bridge, and some other cool neoclassical buildings. Then we met up with my art class to explore some independent art galleries. Mom really liked the first one, a fabricated WWII bunker. After class, we went to Harrod's department store w/ Pam and picked up some Christmas gifts in the famous food stalls. Mom got some good pics of the pretty food displays, as well as the boy behind the counter selling us our Belgium chocolates - so good!

With our feet beginning to drag, I prodded her onto the Albert and Victoria Museum. I hadn't been there yet, so we had a good time oohing and ahhing over the 1000 yr.-old articfacts. Highly recommend it. After that, we stopped off at the Hummingbird Bakery for a chocolate cupcake, then sped back to Nido on the tube.

We rested our feet while watching "Notting Hill" in preparation for today. This morning we had breakfast at a very chic cafe that I've passed every Wednesday on my way to class and always say to myself "I'll take Mom there when she comes." I left her to entertain herself while I went to class, then we shopped the cute botiques and gift stores on the way back to my dorms.

A power nap later, we were refueled for a trip to Notting Hill. We were very successful in our trip down Portobello Road, lined with antique shops and their owners waiting to tell a story to anyone with a wallet.

The highlight of the day was dinner at the Norwegian YMCA w/ Anja. Turns out it was Christmas card and gingerbreak making night. So, this evening we decorated Christmas cards to the smell of baking gingerbread and hum of Norwegian chatter in Notting Hill. Very pleasant day.