A Couple of the British Isles

I just returned from a long week (week + two weekends) in England (London) and Ireland (Kinsale).  I hadn't been to London in some time, and had fond memories of spring window boxes and afternoon tea.  I went without much of a plan, except to end my London visit with a day at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  I stayed at the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair, which was lovely. 

The window boxes never disappoint.  But I'd forgotten that Chelsea Flower Show is such a big event in London that many shops and businesses gussy up with floral displays in celebration.  

Last time I attended the RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) Chelsea Flower Show it was pouring a chilling rain.  I have only shivering, miserable memories.  Although it rained a few of my days in London this time, I got beautiful sunshine on my garden show day.  

There were garden-related booths promoting everything from fountains (raining trees) 

and outdoor furniture, to garden boots and floral jewelry.

Themed display gardens throughout, sponsored by different charities and groups.

In the exhibition hall were displays of major species of plants and flowers, in all their varieties.  

This maple display was especially beautiful.

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As much as I enjoy traveling alone, I don't enjoy eating alone.  So my plan was to have high tea (seatings up to 5 pm) at a different hotel each day and call it early dinner.  I started by documenting the settings for comparison, but it soon became clear that none lived up to the elegant and leisurely tea at the Dorchester Hotel.  The atmosphere and service far-surpassed the others.  

My photo isn't as pretty as it could be, because I asked to skip the fancy pastry tray 

and have another scone instead.  

I took a walk in Notting Hill.

I saw an unusual, in-the-round (with some standing audience) production of "Guys & Dolls."

It was surprisingly wonderful.

A cabbie tolerated my stop for a photo-op of "Abbey Road" of Beatle fame.

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After my fill of flowers, I met up with a couple Portland neighbors who are now expats living outside Dublin.  We spent a couple days together in Kinsale, Ireland.  

Our first excursion was to Blarney Castle and gardens--where we did not kiss the Blarney Stone!

We went to a museum and memorial for the RMS Lusitania, the British ocean liner (Cunard Lines) that was torpedoed by a German U-boat during the First World War (1915), 

about 11 miles off the coast of Kinsale. 

Kinsale is a charming harbor town.  

Anne Bonny was one of the few female pirates in recorded history.