We were up early to catch train to Amersham to meet Ray. Since Willa didn’t bring her bike and wouldn’t get to ride in the Chilterns, Ray and I figured a tour of Old Amersham and a drive around the area would at least give her a sampling of the English countryside. We walked around Old Amersham and then did an “American Tour” of the Chiltern Hills with a stop by the Berkhamsted castle ruins. We got to the Red Lion by 12:30-ish, scooping up Margaret along the way, for pints and one more helping of their “internationally renowned” Lamb Pie.

Back to London after lunch, Willa and I decided to forego health and yoga and headed directly to the V&A for special exhibit on the Golden Age of Couture of Paris and London, 1947-1957. What better way to preempt a stroll through Harrod’s and a stop at Seven Dials for some shopping on Neal Street? We caught the No. 8 home and grabbed a late, cozy dinner at the Rootmaster.

--- the Kings Arms pub in Old Amersham and site of Andie McDowell and Hugh Grant's first rendevous in Four Weddings and a Funeral ---

--- detail of St. Mary's Church, built of local flint stones and some of which dates back to the 14th century ---

--- frosty graves behind St. Mary's Church ---

--- Old Amersham through the windows of an old church, now daycare center ---

--- Ray and Jilayne at Berkhamsted castle ruins ---

--- lunch at the Red Lion - a favorite of the Green Street gang ---