Last summer, I walked from Victoria Station through Belgravia towards Chelsea one morning, two new neighborhoods which I really had never visited before.
Great take-out from this lovely Italian Deli Le Bottega right up the road from Victoria Station. Photo by me
It was lovely, and I understand why the area is a popular place to live, shop and stroll.
The shops turned decidedly upscale as I turned in to Belgravia. Photo by me
As soon as you head up Eccleston Street, behind the station, towards Belgravia, the scene transform from a gritty train station neighborhood to lovely shops and tree-lined streets.
This shop offered pink champagne and cupcakes. Delightful. Photo by me
There are rows of lovely townhouses around green squares like this row at Eaton Square.
Photo by me
Soon I was entering Chelsea.
The beautiful red brick of the Chelsea neighborhood. Photo by me
It became more commercial with shops and buses. Early morning was very busy.
I could understand the reputation for shopping, with one fine storefront after another presenting itself.
Photo by me
Photo by me
It was fun to see busy London on a workday morning.
Photo by me
Sloane Square stood in the middle of all the activity.
Photo by me
I wandered in circles for a bit, before finally realizing I was near the Duke of York Square, with its lovely shops, hairdressers and cafes…
Duke of York square shops. Photo by me
as well as the adjacent Saatchi Gallery.
The entrance to the courtyard where the Saatchi Gallery stands. Photo by me
All in all it was a morning of discovery. I always like to think I have become familiar with one more London Neighborhood on a trip. And this past year it was Chelsea.