Welcome aboard the southern railway service to London Victoria!
The tannoy pleasantly announced further- “The next station is Clapham junction” and our hearts were uplifted to this usual simple announcement that heralded a holiday destination to London city after over 2 years of pandemic shielding …
Journeying into London the train glided along vast quiet woodlands, the sunny grey barked wintry sights whet my appetite for this local holiday that we had been so looking forward to!
Milly our doggie rested her delicate small paws onto the train’s window ledge enjoying the scenes outside while simultaneously raising her curious cute snout sniffing in all the unfamiliar scents. It was her first train journey and she seemed very eager to suspiciously scan every passenger that got closer towards our side of the occupied coach… and then seemed to greet them with an amicable expression winning her compliments.
As the train came to a halt Milly tried to maintain her sliding balance on the train floor making us giggle, she loved being on her leash roaming freely in the coach rather than being carried.
Getting off we soon boarded the overground train to Kensington Olympia which speed up quickly.
Soon….Walking on Olympia way towards Kensington high street I realised our journey had been refreshing and pleasant so far and the brighter afternoon brought in cheerful vibes ?
We checked into a Hilton hotel that was rather a simple modest accommodation, yet the staff were cordial and efficient.
Hurriedly completing the usual formalities of checking in we walked down Kensington High Street in excitement with Milly neatly tucked inside her pouch securely shoulder strapped.
It felt good leisurely strolling together, soaking in all the vibrant sights and the animated sounds of the metropolitan city, every few yards we reached out to use some device or the other to capture those magical moments….. “say cheeeeese?”.
Tourists and commuters all headed their way enthusiastically and others a little pensive, while our thoughts now dwelled on experiencing a nice meal.
To our delight we stumbled upon a charming Lebanese grocery store along that road called “Green valley “ that incidentally sold hot take away meals. The staff were welcoming as we chat looking into some delicious spread ready to go. Their okra lamb with pilaf rice was delicious and not greasy, the veg aubergine option was superb, we also ordered shawarmas, garlic/olives and salad with vine leaves, all very healthy and yummy….
To end this scrumptious meal we relished on an assortment of honey clad baklavas?delectable little crispy mouthfuls covered in nuts that melt smoothly on the palette!!
After a satiated lunch we resumed our stroll back along Kensington high street stepping into by-lanes, churches and other interesting city features. The weather forecast seemed accurate as it started to drizzle so we thought we would seek shelter inside Sainsbury’s entrance but guess what, the staff and security did not admit my son inside inspite of our little Milly being carried inside a shoulder pouch…”No dogs allowed” the guard hastened as my timid son stooped hastily OUT even before stepping IN while completely taken aback….and so we all got drenched?
A plethora of unique cafes dot along Kensington high street making walking exciting even on a rainy day: We stopped by Gail’s- it seemed such a comforting family atmosphere to sit down and sip on warm tea and freshly baked scones and savoury cakes, for vegetarians the tempting ‘roasted spiced cauliflower sandwich’ option would be a great choice!
We gazed leisurely outside the large old panes huddling cosy, watching the pitter-patter of the rain gently drenching the pavements, bringing back pleasant memories ….all so very relaxing indeed. It reminded me of the YouTube channels that have the sound of rain playing on and on dozing one into deep sleep ?
Milly was no exception after feasting on a warm plain scone that I hand fed her, she soon yawned sinking into her snug pouch which was so satisfying to watch!
The connection between humans and their pets is strangely and tightly closer to the heart than one might anticipate or expect and yet it becomes so.
The Design museum seemed a delight for architects as noted from book reads, just passing this tucked away edifice with it’s spacious open entry somehow enticed us in yet we had passed the visiting hours. And so we thought of walking up Holland walk, a charming walk up the tree lined road for a quick pace with our Milly and we were back in action….
Adjacent to the entrance to Holland’s walk was Gordon Ramsay’s “Street Burger” an alluring dining. Now after some self reasonings my Joshua had made a brave decision of keeping vegan for the day ? hence we continued walking under a romantic moonlight scene over Valentine’s…
Passerby’s taking their evening walks with pets nodded in friendly recognition to pride in pet guardianship ? as pets exchanged exuberant gestures amid excited mingling, it related to the elated mood of the evening…
Even the red bus and green vehicles seemed to lit up the roads exuding a feeling for celebration under the deep blue glowing skies!
A trip into London is incomplete without getting into “Waterstones” one of our favourite bookshops.
Savouring the rich array of books and experiencing this literary world’s hidden treasures of engaging writers and compelling reads and being gripped into some gorgeous vibrant illustrations, entertaining all age groups…it was ‘some must buys’ after all!
My favourite turned out to be “ William Morris Artist Craftsman Pioneer”, such an enchanting treat on Valentine’s that added to my little art book collection!

We passed by the COS store window gazing- some brilliantly designed clothing and their slogan 100% organic, recycled and traceable denim seemed the ‘in trend’ for the conscious of mind.
Walking on past High Street Kensington underground station we stood there reminiscing- Joshua was very little when we first visited Kensington Park…. Years on at this site and he was NOW a teenager!
We glanced into a lovely Café called “Caffe Concerto” which had a glorious ambience of a romantic setting with grandly lit chandeliers and themed settings complete with table motifs. Most of all it served delicacies that were hugely decadent and simply irresistible all kept in tune with the special evening !!
Some of the enticing menu read- Wild mushroom Arancini, Concerto fish and chips, Chiccheti Tower for sharing, with Afternoon tea served all day. We thought of giving this a go yet not this evening…
As we passed by St Mary Abbots church with it’s bright wreaths laid at the memorial, the solemn structures stood strikingly surreal amidst this bustling city… definitely a visit in to calm the day’s rush with a little silent prayer ? ✨ Father Christopher was kind to delay the church closing as we stepped in for a quick glance at the altar and a small prayer.
I was told that there used to be a hospital serving here during the war days and earlier, the church bears a prominent historical significance.
Daily Masses are said in the early hours so we decided to drop in on Friday that week.
Our evening culminated in a visit to Uniqlo for some puffers and colourful turtle necks, it also drew my attention to how majority of textile industries have moved from natural fabrics to synthetics drastically… there were some really good cotton lounge wear that seemed tempting? however the knack of learning to overcome temptation is rewarding?
At times watching gleeful children exchange playful gestures with Milly while tired parents shopped for their little ones…. I was reminded of the song “What the world needs now is Love” ….truly a reflective song.
After our little shopping we called it a day and hailed the famous Black cab which is so iconic London, with spacious headroom and many seats, amiable drivers and nothing to beat their understanding of roads and regional history!
I simply feel the need to Support our London Black cabs, they are proudly recognised by tourists as our British icons and so they need this support where we can in an economically competing world.
And it was our Milly’s ever first taxi ride too!!
She was so curiously watching out through the window with wide eyed expressions then tilting her neck at side roads to watch people entering them?
The high and deep notes from traffic passing and some pedestrians dodging at traffic junctions…..to Milly it might have all seemed to be too lively, exciting and yet confusing to comprehend the behaviours of humans??
Back …as we re-entered the hotel we now noticed the first sign that read as we entered –
“Face masks strongly recommended for guests”
Milly you might be an exception ?
Blog by Jeannette D’Souza © 2022
