Today was an amazing day full of unexpected surprises. We rose early to descend the four flights of stairs and enter the cozy breakfast room of our hotel. English breakfasts include poached eggs, baked beans, bacon, sausage, and yogurt. These offerings do not really jive with our macrobiotic way of eating. Fortunately we were clever to bring packets of instant oatmeal and miso soup with us. Choices from the lavish breakfast bar completed our meal with fresh fruit and granola as well as the beans. In the spirit of sampling British staples we nibbled on marmite ( a potent yeasty fermented delicacy that gives Natto a run for the money), and Nutella ( a heavenly chocolate creamy spread).
Eager to begin a full day of touring, we bounded off on a brisk walk to the Half Price Ticket Booth in Leicester Square. After perusing the available shows on the board surrounded by a bevy of other tourists we queued up to purchase reasonable tickets to Singing in the Rain.
Then it was off to the Original Hop On Hop Off narrated sightseeing tour where we could bask in the rare London sunshine while a learned tour guide regaled us with the history of the sites passing by.
Purely by chance we happened upon two amazing restaurants that surprised us with their vegan consciousness. Adjacent to the London Eye, we stumbled into Zen China, an aesthetically attractive spot with floor to ceiling windows framing the Victorian Parliament buildings perched on the River Thames. The waitress presented us with a smooth as silk tofu veggie soup that we enjoyed so much we ordered another. Noodles with fresh asparagus and snow peas completed our repast. A Buddhist shrine with offerings of Mandarin oranges, apples and bananas was an interesting site to see near the windows. The modest prices served to increase our enjoyment of the relaxing setting away from the crazy hubbub taking place outside.
As darkness set in, we scurried among the Times Square like hordes to our show in the stunning Palace Theater, which I discussed in yesterday' s blog. It was as if we had been transported back to another era as we took our excellent seats in this historic setting. As it was the final show for Singing in the Rain and it was a full house, the cast was top notch! The most exhilarating element of the show occurred as buckets of " rain" poured from the "heavens" and covered the stage while the gifted dancers kicked up their feet and doused the patrons in the front row.
Finally heading home and hankering for a small bite to eat, we chanced upon an establishment called Amico Bio. Their brightly lit sign boasted organic, vegan and vegetarian fare. our curiosity got the better of us and so glad it did. it turns out the friendly owner/ chef trucks in his vegetables from his organic farm in Italy every two days! We opted for the creamy Baldo brown rice risotto, a refreshing green salad, and delicate tempura zucchini. The food was flavorful and clean. The owner shared that he has many macrobiotic patrons to his restaurants in Italy and London and there is much more concern for non GMO, organic and vegan food in Europe than in the States. I could help but wonder why the Europeans countries are way more attuned to the health of their citizens than the United States.
Off to rest up for a big day tomorrow at the British Museum, Spitalfields market and a dinner with new Macro Travel Friends.
If you are out there and reading the blog please make some comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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