Silvia and Jonny

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24 September 2022

A Bit of London, Windsor, and Richmond

You remember Silvia, don’t you? You met her in Fano where Bonnie, Robert, and Luciana came for a day to visit her aunt and uncle, Adriana Mollaroli and Guilliano Giampaoli. Jonny is her English husband. Silvia and Jonny live in London but purchased a flat in Fano last year. Close to her aunt and uncle’s house and short distance from her mother Mirella’s house. Mirella also has the family home in Serra Sant’Abbondio. Silvia and Jonny generously offered to spend Saturday giving us a tour of London, Windsor, and Richmond. (Kitty, You didn’t need to read this part.)

Places visited: Victoria and Albert Museum, Windsor Castle, and Richmond

Victoria and Albert Museum

Silvia suggested that we meet at the museum. First visit for Bonnie and Robert. We had the perfect tour guide—Jonny. He knows this place inside and out—sculpture, silverware, jewelry, plaster casts, and staircases. When you exit the train on the tube, you can connect directly to the museum by making a twelve-minute walk underground. We met at the gift shop and then zipped through highlights of the museum. This place is immense. It is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design. Founded in 1852, its annual attendance is close to four million visitors. Free admission for the 145 galleries that cover 12.5 acres. You need at least two visits. Bonnie was especially interested in the historic fashion and the temporary exhibit on African fashion. She wore a Zuri dress for the occasion.

Every guy’s dream—to be surrounded by four beautiful women. (Canova)
The silver and gold collection had both old and new pieces.
Bob Colegrove: unfortunately they did not have this in the gift shop.
Rings of semi to precious stones. Still trying to figure out the missing one.
Jonny pointed out that everything you see in this room is a cast of an original.
Still casts.
First time we have seen David at eye level, which was quite different.

Lunch

We had lunch on Elizabeth Street, close to Eaton Square and Victoria Station and also close to Jonny’s bachelor flat (before wedding Silvia).

One of the many mews in London. Once housing for the help, now for the rich.
Great lunch. Chuck—sorry, forgot to take pics of the meal.

Windsor Castle and Eton

We climbed into Silvia’s Mini Cooper and made the forty-five-minute drive to Windsor Castle. After a stroll around the charming but touristy town, we took a short walk over the Thames to Eton, home of Eton College. Many of the royals attended Eton. It’s a short walk from the castle.

The 2.4 mile Long Walk stretches from Windsor Castle to the statue of King George III.
Flowers for the recently deceased Queeen
If you look closely, they left a light on for us.
Thames River separating Windsor and Eton
Jonny pointed out that the green ”flash” on the license plate identifies electric cars—an effort by the government to promote their use.
One the buildings of Eton College
We had to stop for tea. After all, it was afternoon.

Richmond

Richmond is a commuter town on the Thames. Best known to us Americans as the home of AFC Richmond coached by Ted Lasso. It is a delightful place with river walks along both urban and rural landscapes.

Next-London Roaming

2 thoughts on “Silvia and Jonny”

  1. Silvia and Jonny are two wonderful and friendly people. I have known Silvia since she was a little baby as my best friend Adriana is her aunt. I was hosted by them three years ago and have beautiful memories of the days I spent with Silvia, Jonny, Adriana and her first cousin Nadia. I always feel fine when I stay in London..it would have been my perfect city. I ❤️London!

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