Day 27: Sep. 30, 2018 - The Notting Hill Neighborhood

With a full house, we wake to another promising day. We head out to Granier for another breakfast of Coffee and Pastry. After a satisfying taste, we head out into the neighborhood. Betty was surprised to hear that there are canals in this area, so we walk toward the Westbourne Park Underground Station. Along the way we see colorful paint jobs on the building facades, including one with Seahawk colors (we think it is connected to a 12^th-man car sticker we see).

Colorful Paint Jobs in Notting Hill

Seahawk Tenant in Notting Hill?

We arrive at the station and pass by. We head to the left of the bridge, across the street and up to the Canal. The last time Amy and I were here (Day 3), we headed east toward Paddington. This time, we head the other way, enjoying the views across the canal. Betty is busily snapping away at the interesting boats and other sights.

We follow the canal for a few blocks, then head to the left toward Ladbroke Grove Road. Betty now suggests a destination – she is interested in scene locations for the movie Notting Hill, so we head down Ladbroke Grove into the ritzier section of the neighborhood. Betty finds the gate where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant jump the fence into a private garden. Betty takes more pics. We continue on, looping back to Portobello Road. Here is one of the buildings we come across:

Grand House in Notting Hill

We make it back to Portobello, and decide that a pub to slake some thirst is a fine idea. We find a nice-looking one, but it is not yet open. We continue on Westbourne and head back to one of my favorite neighborhood joints, Walmer Castle. We settle in and have some pints. We decide it is a good time to include some food with our refreshment.

After lunch, we head back to the flat. When we arrive, but before we go through the gate, Betty notices the church at the end of the block and wants to see it. As she, Amy and Dale go in, I take a look at the southern window – it looks like it has some flaws or dirt or something. On closer look, I see that pigeons are enjoying a rest on the sills.

All Saints Notting Hill South Window

We tour the church, which seems like a very nice center of support for the neighborhood. There is currently a food drive, and there are other programs to help neighbors in need.

We head back the one block to our flat and take it easy for the rest of the afternoon.

At dinnertime, we order an Uber and head to South Kensington. We are going back to Ognisko, the Polish/Baltic restaurant we went to with the fam back on Day 13. Betty and Dale both order the Poached Salt Beef. Amy has the Lamb Shashlik and I have the Pelmeni. Once again, it is delicious. We order another Uber for the trip back to the flat. It has been too short a time with us, but Dale & Betty leave for Italy early in the morning.