A Proper Good Afternoon to You
Look at that deep golden color on the English Butter. And it tastes as good as it looks. Next to it sits some young, gooey goat cheese. I'd better have a bite right now. Ahhhh. That's sublime. After my day of touristing I attended Neal Yard's Dairy--and not for the last time this trip. Truth to tell, I love dairy saturated fat in all its forms. I tell my arteries that I walk it all off before it can get cloggy.
It rained over night, and I saw the rain during breakfast. I don't hear it because of the double glazed windows that shut out the city noise. It had cleared up by the time I set out, but the streets were still wet. I needed to replenish my groceries, and I thought it would be a good idea to go to Sainsbury Local early. Everyone else had the same idea, but I got in and out pretty well.
When I set out again I took the Tube and more specifically the Central Line to Bond Street. Although the stop is called Bond Street the passenger is decanted on Oxford Street. I had directions to Manchester Square and the Wallace Collection. This is an art trip, but the house in which the collection is housed merits a visit on its own. Below is the area, which, were I the owner, I would be serving you all Afternoon Tea.
Fortunately the place was uncrowded, and I had the sumptuous period rooms to myself. The place is a treasure house of fine furniture as well as painting and sculpture. I also appreciate the extensive and beautiful exhibition of porcelain, and some exquisite snuff boxes.
Every room is jam packed with paintings. The collection is very heavy on Rococo and The Dutch Golden Age, both of which I enjoy, but you can also find, Rubens, Van Dyke, Rembrandt, and Titian. Another painter I especially like is Canaletto, whose vedute of Venice are here in abundance. My taste for him has been roundly condemned because his work is both highly naturalistic and beautiful. These people are best ignored in my opinion. Here's another period room for you.
My route home took me past the gigantic department store Selfridges, so I popped in. Most of the place is high end luxury brands, something I am just not interested in so I just cruised around. I did help myself to some fancy perfume from Jo Malone, and I took a look around the Food Hall. Some of my friends appreciate things to eat.
I tubed back to Holborn, but instead of going home, I walked down to Covent Garden for my cheese and butter, and then back home for the Tour de France.
Cheerio
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