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Archive for August, 2012

London Shopping | Handbags at Harrods Gift Shop

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

I Love My Harrods Bag!

If you’re looking for great gift ideas while in London, you’ll want to plan a trip to Harrods and visit their Gift Shop. Even if you’re not a big shopper Harrods is one of those classic London experiences not to be missed. If you are in London for shopping then Harrods is like a dream! They have an outstanding collection of just about everything you can imagine. Not long ago we were in the Gift Shop located on the second floor looking for the perfect handbag as a gift for a friend. The selection was more than impressive … it was awe inspiring!

Huge selection of handbags with the Harrods insignia

You’ll find everything from elegant handbags and purses to fun shopping bags and tote bags. There were young styles, patent leather handbags, clutches, wallets and more in just about ever color you can imagine.

Harrods handbags in black and shades of brown

A classic handbag from Harrods makes a great gift for friends and family at home. Or pick one up for yourself and you’ll be reminded of London every time you carry it with you!

Harrods handbag

The selection of shopping bags was mind boggling. Here a bag, there a bag … everywhere more shopping bags!

Harrods shopping bags

 

Stylish black and white striped shopping bag

The shopping bags at Harrods also make great gifts since they pack flat in your suitcase. You might end up using one as a carry on bag on your way home, too.

If you love dogs or know someone who does, the classic Harrods dog shopping bags are a cute gift! They come in several different styles, sizes and patterns.

Harrods dog bags

The cute white West Highland Terrier is one of the classic Harrods symbols, but there are also lots of other prints to choose from for the dog lovers out there.

Harrods shopping bags with dog-themed prints

You’ll find a shopping bag for everyone’s taste! We liked these light blue bags with the Harrods name and gold crown insignia printed on the front.

Harrods light blue bag with gold insignia

 

Harrods travel inspired shopping bag

 

Shiny shopping bags

 

Foldable shopping bags for your handbag

You’ll find many other great gift ideas at the Harrods, too. Just pick up a printed Store Guide when you arrive and that’ll help you find your way to the Gift Shop on the second floor. Have fun shopping at Harrods!

 

 

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The Original Twinings Tea Shop in London

Tuesday, August 14th, 2012
London Twinings Tea Shop 216 Strand

The decorative entrance to the Twinings Tea shop at 216 Strand

For over 300 years Twinings has sold teas and coffees from their shop located at 216 Strand in London. It was purchased by Thomas Twining in 1706, and this historic building is one of the oldest shops in London still in its original location. For tea lovers a visit to the Twinings shop is more than a must while traveling in London – it’s a pilgrimage! Here you’ll find one of the best selections of Twinings teas (and coffee for those who aren’t tea enthusiasts!), including many that you won’t see in local shops back home. There’s even a tea-tasting room and small museum dedicated to the history of the Twinings tea company.

Twinings Tea Shop in London on the Strand

Twinings tea shop located on the Strand near Trafalgar Square

Although one of London’s narrowest shops, it’s easy to spot the Twinings tea shop. It’s located along the Strand just across the street from the Royal Courts of Justice. It’s a short stroll from Trafalgar Square and our Eden studio rental and Savoy two bedroom vacation rental. Keep an eye out for the golden lion and figures above the entrance to the shop, which date from 1787 when the shop was called the Golden Lion. You’ve found it!

Historic Twinings Tea Shop in London

Sign outside the historic Twinings shop on the Strand

Looking up at the signs and across the road to the Royal Courts of Justice, it’s amazing to think just how long the Twinings shop has stood in this location. Back when it was founded in 1706, this area was on the border between the City of London and Westminster and the area was home to aristocracy that moved here after the Great Fire in London. At that time the Twinings shop was a popular tea and coffee house and become one of the earliest shops where dry tea and coffee were sold. Twinings is now known throughout the world – and it started right here!

Original Twinings Tea Shop London the Strand

A wonderful selection of teas and coffees at the Twinings tea shop in London!

Inside the narrow shop is lined with wooden display shelves running along both sides with an extensive selection of teas to choose from. On a recent visit I found an earl grey and jasmine tea that was a delightful blend of two of my favourite teas!  They also sell teapots and everything you need to brew and enjoy a nice cup of tea. Toward the back of the shop you’ll find a small tea-tasting area where you can sample different blends. Do take a moment to enjoy all of the information, memorabilia and photos in the back of the shop in the Twinings museum.

Twinings History Museum in London

Coffees on display along with the history of the Twinings company

If you’re looking for something special for tea lovers while shopping in London, the Twinings shop has a great selection of beautiful  packaging and special tins that make great gifts for family and friends. I couldn’t resist The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Blend in colourful tins, which are now decorating my kitchen at home!

Entrance to Twinings Tea Shop the Strand London

Tiled entrance to the original Twinings Tea shop in London

Stop in the Twinings shop and museum the next time you’re in London, or visit their website to find out more about the Twinings 216 Strand location and Twinings Museum.

Twinings Tea Shop

216 The Strand, London

Hours:

Monday – Friday  8.30am to 7.30pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm & Sunday 10am to 4pm

Nearest Tube:

Temple on the Circle and District Lines

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Attending the London Olympics – The Men’s Individual Gymnastics Finals!

Friday, August 10th, 2012

2012 Olympics -- Men's Individual Gymnastics Final

We were thrilled to attend the Men’s Gymnastics Finals last week – the first time we’ve attended an Olympic event!  London has done an amazing job with the organization of the Games – you feel welcome the moment you arrive.  The transport to the Games is excellent – all destinations are clearly indicated and there are thousands of friendly helpers to direct you to the right places.

Everyone has a smile at the London Olympics -- Even the Queen!

The Men’s Finals took place in Greenwich, and we got there easily on the Jubilee Line.  The stadium was right there next to the station, and an extra bonus is that you walk over the Greenwich Medium as you head to the entrance!

You step over the Greenwich Meridian at the Greenwich Stadium

Our seats were high up in the bleachers and we asked ourselves whether we should return our tickets and simply watch on TV instead.  We made the right decision to go!  The crowds from all over the world, the excitement – you can’t experience that on TV.

There was no problem to see the athletes as they performed their routines or as a group proceeded from one piece of equipment to the other.  And it was especially wonderful to be able to see all of the gym floor at once.  Whenever I’ve watched gymnastics events on TV, each piece of equipment seemed to be in a separate building or corner – but they’re all together in the middle.

You can see everything in the arena

Yes, people came from all over the world to cheer on their athletes, but what struck us the most was the crowd’s enthusiasm and support for all of the athletes!  If one made a mistake or fell a universal groan went up.  When a gymnast fell off the horizontal bar, the entire stadium applauded as he got back on and completed his routine.

A universal grown went up when any athlete fell

We realized that newscasters tend to focus on their own country’s athletes, sometimes to the detriment of being able to relish the best moments.  It’s completely different being there in person; everyone is appreciative of how hard each and every athlete has trained — and we rooted for all of them.  Our hearts sank in unison when one fell from the uneven bars, or hit the sides of the horse as they spun around.

Tanaka had a stronge chance at Gold until he slipped on the pommel horse

 

When an athlete fell, the entire stadium exploded into cheers when they got up and started over!

Kohei Uchimura from Japan was amazing on every piece of equipment!

Uchimura of Japan was amazing!

The biggest surprise though was seeing Danell Leyva’s performance on the high bar.  The American gymnast was in 23rd position when his coach lifted him up to start his routine.  It started as all the others, but everyone quickly realized they were witnessing something special … and all eyes focused on him.  It was the most beautiful, controlled acrobatic display of the day and the crowd erupted into cheers when he finished…perfectly!

I was watching his coach, who was moving his arms and legs next to Danell — working the same routine. He had such enthusiasm and passion – and was so hilarious to watch! Here’s a video of one of Danell’s amazing routines from earlier this summer.

Danell's coach was hilarious!

Congratulations to Danell Leyva for his much deserved bronze medal in the Men’s All Around. It was an unforgettable experience to watch gymnasts from around the world at the London 2012 Olympics!

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