I am heading home today, but not before one last morning out and about in London. I walk down Kensington Church Street in search of antique shops, but find few open for business on a Tuesday. I wander towards KensingtonPalaceand the sunken garden, and then over to the Princess of Wales playground, before returning to the palace grounds in time for lunch at The Orangery. Finally, there is iced tea on the menu. The American rejoices! It is a lovely concoction made with sparkling water, infused with rosemary and lemon. I have an open-faced sandwich of York ham and piccalilli, and a slice of their signature cake for good measure. It is a sweet ending to a very sweet trip. From here it is back to the hotel for my luggage, then back to Heathrow for the long journey home.
After arriving in Philadelphia, an immigration officer barrages me with a standard set of questions about my trip, asking me at one point if I am travelling alone. When I answer “yes,” he breaks visibly from protocol, looks up and says, as if in disbelief: “Really?” I nod, and then say with a smile, “and I had a great time, too”! He waves me through, shaking his head.
The Independent Traveler 
Lovely, lovely, lovely! I’ve never been to Paris but thanks for the fabulous travelogue!
And thanks for the trip to England again! I left two years ago this Saturday 9/15/2005 and can hardly wait to go back. After reading this, I’m even more eager than before!
What a wonderful account of your first solo trip. I just completed my first trip to Europe as a solo traveler, and chose London to start. I wish I had found your blog before my travels, since you provide much insight into the sights of the city. Your photos on flickr are inspirational. I am a fan who will continue to read about your solo trips to Europe, while eagerly planning my future trips!