July 17 (Friday) – Physic Garden, Sloan Square, Globe Theater

Today we went to see the Mews house where Jim and Phyllis lived during their three year stay in London in the early 1990's.  The walk from the Sloan Square Tube stop to their place was through a lovely neighborhood with wonderful old red brick and stone buildings. 

Then we walked around the area and over to the Thames to kill some time until the Chelsea Physic Garden opened.  The area was lovely with a beautiful Victorian bridge.

an iconic telephone booth....

The Physic Garden is a charming walled garden that was founded in 1673 for the study of the medicinal qualities of plants.  It became one of the most important centers of botany and plant exchange in the world.  It was a charming pocket size garden compared to Kew Gardens and Sissinghurst. 

The plants usually had a sign giving the full scientific name and the garden was organized into interesting and colorful beds and smaller gardens.  Mary particularly enjoyed it and took lots of pictures for ideas for her garden back home. 

After cakes in the garden café we headed to the Globe Theater where we all thoroughly enjoyed Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.  Phyllis had got us tickets in the balcony (with seats and seat cushions).  Most people stood in the open area in front of the stage.  Just like during Shakespeare's time.

After dinner we had dessert a GBK (more chocolate shakes), which have now become a favorite drink/dessert/snack for all of us.

The weather started out just a bit misty but by midday it was sunny with blue skies and wonderful temperatures.  All agreed that it was a perfect day with perfect company.