London in bloom

On our way to the U.S. at the end of March, we stopped in London for a few days. Sam had never been, and my only memory of it was from a brief visit during the dead of winter in 1994. I remember being cold and damp more than anything else, so I was overwhelmed by warmth and beauty of spring that greeted us this time.

We've been told that early spring can be iffy with London weather, but we were graced with four mild and mostly clear days, no umbrella necessary. Locals and visitors alike were in good spirits, surely due in part to the fresh relief from a long, harsh winter, but also to the royal wedding fever that has captured the hearts and imaginations of romantic tourists, and provided a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the event. 

It was hard not to get caught up in the excitement, amidst the flowers blooming, lovers strolling, birds frolicking, and William and Kate smiling regally from posters, collector plates, and all imaginable forms of gift-shop paraphernalia for sale everywhere we went. It got us in the wedding mood, which was fitting as we were en route to our own family wedding celebration.