Looking like a Magic Fairy

Laura got her face painted too. The technique was interesting. The facepainters applied a lot of paint with cosmetic sponges before using brushes for detail. I love Laura's bright, beautiful butterfly. Don't you?

Ready for a Regatta?

That's Jane, the grownup, on the right. She's my host on this visit to London. Her grandaughter, Kai, (the child in the first photograph) is a student at King Alfred's and the reason I came to this festive event! These sailboats were built by students here and are ready to set sail.

Artwork by the Children

This mosaic is at the entrance to King Alfred's. I loved the bright colors and details, especially in the crown. See the words at the top: EX CORDE VITA. Those words are in a language called "Latin". What do they mean? Do a google search to find out and let me know, please.

Do You Recognize this Gentleman?

He's William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright of all! I'm next to his bust, a sculpture of him, at the Globe Theater in London, England, on the Thames River. In Will's day, the Lord Mayor of London disliked the whole theater scene so much that he made the playhouses stay on the south side of the river away from the rest of the town on the north side of the Thames. Luckily, Queen Elizabeth the First liked the theaters otherwise they might have been shut down completely.

Is it Greek to You? Read on......

I loved this poster at the Globe Theater. I took the tour and there was so much information that made me smarter about the theater scene in London in the 1500's. This "new" Globe is a replica of the orignial and nearly right on the same spot as it was during Shakespeare's day. A famous American actor, Sam Wanamaker, was the champion who initiated the reconstruction of today's Globe.

Getting Ready for Macbeth

The Globe puts on many plays throughout the year. This shot gives you an idea of the levels. From the time the theater was born, till now, theatergoers could stand on the ground in front of the stage and watch the performance. You can even rest your elbows on the stage! Imagine that! During Shakespeare's time, it cost one pence (penny) to be on the ground, 2 p to be on the first level, 3 p on the second level, and 4 p to be on the 4th level. Some patrons came mostly to show off their fine clothing and would often have their backs to the stage or, get this, they'd get a stool and sit on the stage to be seen better!

The Scottish Play, Shhhhh

Now it seems that it is bad luck for cast members to say the title of the play, MACBETH, so I'll just write it. The director of this performance requested that the audience on the floor, called "Groundlings", stick their heads up through holes in black fabric to make the production a little more dramatic. It was, but the sun was out and it was very hot for those of us who were standing in the one penny section. Of course, it costs more than one penny to see a play in 2010.

Make Sure you Rent a Cushion

So.......I recommend a visit to the Globe and a tour of the theater if you come to London. Maybe you will meet Stephanie who taught me about the history of this theater and what it was like during William Shakespeare's era---the Rennaissance or Rebirth.
She'll also advise you to rent a cushion and backrest so you'll be comfortable. I'm really glad I did.

Ready to see the "Scottish Play"

The house was packed for the afternoon show! Can you imagine standing during the whole performance---- a lot of theatergoers did! Macbeth is a very famous play, but it's really for an older crowd, so come when you are a teenager or older.
Make a trip to the Globe Theater and see a play performed that's 500 years old and just as exciting today as it was that long ago.

You Can Also Read Shakespeare

Mom always thinks it's a good idea to read a children's version of a Shakespearean play to undetstand the stroyline/plot fully before seeing a performance. Works for me!

Theater is Everywhere in London

These two actors, Robert and Kathrine, just performed in the Western musical, CALAMITY JANE, on a local stage in Highgate called Upstairs at the Gatehouse. It was fabulous! They sang their hearts out and sounded perfect. I got tears in my eyes because the production was so touching! Bravo!

An Aspiring Musician with a Big Smile

Ian played the banjo during the performance of Calamity Jane. He was great! Others think so too-----he's heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival soon!

Hanging Five on Highgate Hill

I was so surprised when I trotted out of the theater and saw Dominic with a surfboard slung over his back. His Portuguese friend, Carlo, had just come back from a kite surfing trip in Mexico at Playa Carmen! Yes, I was very surprised! We chatted for awhile and went on our way.

When Will the Milk Man Come Around?

Long, long ago in the United States, there was milk delivery. You would leave your empty milk bottles outside your door, and the milk man would replace your old bottles with new ones full of fresh milk. In Highgate, the milk man still comes around. Interesting, huh? I spotted these as we were leaving the Gatehouse Theater.

Get Ready for a Little History Lesson

Sir Francis Drake was Queen Elizabeth I's greatest privateer (her own private pirate). He captured Spanish ships and took their treasure and gave it to the Queen. (Of course, he always got his share too.) This boat is a replica of his original. It's docked near London Bridge on the Thames (Tems). Remember to click on the image to enlarge for details.

The Past is the Present

Read about this wall..... and you'll understand more about Olde London.

My Tour Guide, Dean

Well, he wasn't an official tour guide of London, but Dean is a friend of a friend who wanted to meet me and show me his town.
He's an architect so we walked around the oldest part of the city, near London Bridge, and he educated me. I love it so much when I can ask questions back. I'm in front of an old power plant smoke stack that fronts the River Thames. Luckily, it has been turned into the most wonderful art museum---the Tate Modern. Come on inside........

Looking onto the Thames

So now I'm inside the Tate Modern. Best of all it's free, well mostly free, some exhibits have an entrance fee. This is a view from the second floor looking at the Wibbily Wobbly Bridge. It's a fairly new foot bridge across the river, the only one just for walkers.
It was given that name because when it opened, it wobbled so badly that people were afraid to cross it. It had to be redesigned so it wouldn't move. St. Paul's Cathedral is in the background. The architect was Christopher Wren and his plans were drawn up in the mid 1600's! London is soooooo old compared to U.S. cities.

Last Stop---the Gift Shop, of Course

Well, I just couldn't resist------books----my best friends! I bought several about the City of London. I love reading picture books designed for children between 8 and 12 years of age. There are always lots of pictures and photographs and images that grab my attention and stay in my mind!

Staying Healthy on the Grand Tour

Yes, it's a juice bar at a 2,000 year old market near London Bridge. Called Borough Market, there have been shops on this site for hundreds and hundreds of years. Come see what I saw and meet my new friends. Gary's whipping up a fresh, organic ginger, oj, and mango drink for Mom! Sound yummy?

Tomatoes Galore! and So Much More!

Charlie's a literature student at the University of Manchester, but spends some of his time helping his dad with their fruit and veggie stand called Fosters of Pimlico. I bought a fruit cup that tasted heavenly. It's a good idea when you are traveling to eat light. Your system goes through many changes, so it's smart to down a lot of water and eat foods that aren't too dense!

Harvested from an Island West of France

Alex has been at the Borough Market for 8 years. He sells butter and cream and salt (some of which he flavors) that he buys from Stephane, a salt harvester, who lives on the Isle de Noirmoutier. Stephane has four children and he speaks Celtic to them. Now that is a very old language from northern Europe. I am learning so much, I never knew "Sel" means "Salt" in French. Did you?

Olives, Anyone?

The Borough Market was filled with so much good food, and so fresh. It's a must see when you go to London; all the locals shop there. Just take the "Tube", the subway, to London Bridge and ask someone to point you in the direction of the market. It's open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Cheese is My Weakness

This is just another stand at the Borough Market. It's so much different than in America. I asked for Swiss cheese, but that was at another vendor further down. Can you imagine so much cheese for sale? Residents of Europe love cheese like I do. But, I don't eat too much, just a little. I'm watching my trim doggie waistline.

And Outside the Borough Market

Damian, holding his Jack Russell terriers, Dudley, Albert, and Rita, was chatting with his friend, Jose, as the morning was passing them by. It was fun to chat "dog talk". Remember, Mom just rescued a 12 pound terrier last month in Hawaii and then named the pooch "Lucky". You'll know more about that little dog because she's going to be writing books about herself called LETTERS FROM LUCKY.

Meeting and Greeting

This coffee shop is super popular. It's the place where Mom was meeting up with a friend of a friend. We stood around for awhile and just took in all the London sights. There were many interesting outfits-----seems like everyone is pretty fashion conscious. Gary, holding me, and Paul are like London police officers. They give advice and directions to visitors and keep an eye on everything at the market.
They didn't sell hot chocolate at this coffee shop, so we went next door. See what we found in the next photograph......

Yep, and Hot Chocolate Too

Konditor and Cook is a boutique bakery next to Monmouth Coffee Shop and it's across the lane from the Borough Market. Just look at these "Magic Cakes"! They cost about $5.00 which is 2.95 pounds. These little square cupcakes are for special occasions---I'm ready for a special occasion, bring on the Magic Cakes! I promise I'll eat just one!

Who is this Bear and Why is He at the Train Station in London?

Can you help me find out why Paddington was at the train station? Google him and send me a note when you find out, please.
I was catching the tube to Highgate, a village in north London, and there he was.

Rosie and Rex

Rosie fell in love with me as I was getting a tour of a rooftop garden in Highgate! She and her brother, Robert, and their mom were tending to veggies and herbs on the roof of the supermarket, Budgens. From all the research----this is the first market in the world that will be growing organic produce on its rooftop. Bravo!!

Two Little Gardeners

Robert and Rosie found a cosy hammock in which to sit and rock and contemplate Budgen's garden. This is a perfect retreat, I was so peaceful I almost felt like taking a nap.

A Garden on the Fifth Story

This is the perfect view of the Highgate Budgen's organic garden. I'm very impressed that the store owner had such a BIG idea! Growing his own veggies and herbs to sell to his customers----brilliant! I hope more stores follow suit.

On the Way......the Grand Tour

I was so lucky. I became friends with Bev Koval of Regal Travel in Honolulu and Mom booked our tickets with her for our trip. I'm lucky because Bev got us two complimentary passes to the Continental Airlines President's Club so on the 7-hour layover, after flying all night to Newark, we were able to take a long, long hot shower at the Club before boarding our plane to London.
Hooray, Bev!

First Stop--the Big Apple--New York City

During my 7-hour layover, I was a guest of the Union Square Farmers' Market on the Lower East Side of Manhattan! We sped over to the city on the New Jersey Transit train--easy!
Wow! It was super busy and shoppers were zipping by me like crazy. Here I am, from left to right, with Tara of this flagship Greenmarket, Jenny, and Mom. We were doing a children's art activity and passing out bookmarks! It was fun, but a little hot and humid compared to Hawaii.

Quenching My Thirst

I really believe in eating healthy food, especially when I'm traveling, and this cold apple cider from the Locust Grove Fruit Farm hit the spot! Yummmmmmmmm! This small 100-acre family farm has been in production for 200 years. That's a long time don't you think?

One of Summer's Tastiest Veggies

This yellow summer squash is delicious when Mom slices it about an inch thick, sautes it in olive oil and garlic, then puts a little, just a little, butter on it with a touch of salt and pepper. It tastes like corn-on-the-cob!
Try it! Ask your Mom or Dad to take you to your nearest farmer's market and buy some and come home and cook it together for a healthy, supper side dish.

The Youngest Volunteer

I'm with Max at the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki Valley in Honolulu. It's nestled in the forest next to a soothing stream and lots of hiking trails. We were at the Kokua Hawaii Foundation (Jack Johnson's charity) Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. I loved Max's yellow t-shirt! Give me a bike anyday!

Always Ready with Big Smiles

Natalie, on the left, and Kaliko are head honchos for the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. They are always, and I mean always, positive and energetic. Notice the box next to Natalie, it's full of Jack's new CD---To the Sea, a tribute to his dad. Right now, Jack is on a summer tour with his family in Europe and the U.S. (I'll be at his London concert on June 30th!) Because he is so generous, he is giving all the money he makes to charity-----non-profits that participate in his concerts. Bravo to our hometown boy!! Jack was born and raised at Sunset Beach.

Eat Healthy, Eat Right

Dexter, the School Food Coordinator for Kokua, made lunch for the Appreciation Picnic. Yum, Yum, Yum! The carrot cake was heaven! He told me his job is, "To give kids the opportunity to eat better". Do you want to volunteer for Jack Johnson's foundation? Make a difference and make the planet a better place? Just go to:
www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org and see what you can do!

The Garden Educator

Lydi works for The Greenhouse and with Kokua. She teaches children how to plant and take care of a garden, and then harvest. She's taught Mom how to plant seeds properly and easily, and with great success! Hooray for Lydi and p.s.---she's a bride to be!

Even Dogs were Invited!

I made friends with Leo at the picnic. He was being babysat, or should I say, dogsat, by Hilary. She volunteers for the Kokua Hawaii Foundation teaching children how to eat right. Her official title is Nutritional Docent. She goes into classrooms and educates the students about the benefits of eating a healthy diet---YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!
What a fun afternoon I had at the Hawaii Nature Center making new friends with all the other Kokua volunteers!

Me and Lots of Other Surfing Dogs

Yes, I'm on top of a postcard rack with dogs on boards, surfing dogs!
I was at the 4th Annual Surf Dog Competition sponsored by Loew's Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego at Imperial Beach.
There are lots more photos, so follow me check out the competitors!

Howling for Surf and He Never Stops!

That terrier, Buddy, howls all day long-----he's longing for surf! He's been surfing for 10 years and is a pro. The other dogs catching waves ignore him. Ricochet, in the pink vest, is very famous. Just google his name and you'll learn about his service dog misadventure!!

Happy to Be Rescued

King was adopted from a shelter by Bill. They love to enter contests and surf all day long so the Loew's contest was right up their alley!

Betsy's in Heaven

Nicole, who works at the Coronado Public Library, was out with her sweet bulldog, Betsy. Always looking for action, Betsy was chomping at the bit, panting, and ready to ride some waves! I love dogs who surf!

Where's My Board and Who has the Wax?

Dozer is famous. Can you see why? He's a famous surfing bulldog from Southern California. He's even been in the movies!
That's his owner, Gigi, in the yellow shorts. She came to the surfing contest with her friend, Colleen, and loved every minute of the event!

Looking Gorgeous as Ever

Now this is one well-dressed pooch. His owner makes clothes for him and he has an incredible wardrobe. He even has his own Facebook Page with over 2,000 friends!
His name: "Bobby Gorgeous"
Perfect fit, don't you think?

Yes, A Surfing Great Dane

Yep, Marmaduke is surfing! His movie was premiered on the beach at the Loew's Coronado Bay Resort 4th Annual Surf Dog Competition. It was a production-----dog bone-shaped tables in the sand, lights, a dog in a tuxedo and Owen Wilson smiling for the cameras.
Wow!!! It was a happening and I was there taking it all in thanks to Dina and her husband, John. They took me as their guest.
Check out their calendar---www.surfdogscalendar.com It benefits lots of dog- related charities.

In the Flesh or Should I Say "Fur"?

This is the real Marmaduke. He was in the movie and at Imperial Beach at the surfing contest. There were two dogs portraying the cartoon hound on screen.
Thanks to Dina and John for letting me tag along and, especially, for taking pictures of me with all my new friends!