London

A pint ‘o Cider in London Town…

Negotiated tube and overland trains between Paris and London without once getting lost (thanks to Rupert for detailed instructions at British end) and while there responded to greetings in French and a spot of Italian for good measure, albeit unintentionally.

Could say I’m now officially ‘international’ yes? Nope!

Cousins Rupert and Hortense, tour guide maps and stiff upper lips firmly in place, provided the itinerary while I acted the crazed camera wielding tourist thirsty for the city’s offerings. Bridges, boats, buses, cabs, works of art, statues, Shards, Meridians and Queens – West End Queen and Buckinghuge Palace Queen to be exact – all prey to my overzealous shutterbug enthusiasm. You see, I’ve been to London on numerous occasions, jet-setting toss that I am, but always in transit t20131022-000948.jpgo somewhere else and thus the thrill at finally being shown the town, and by locals.

And just to show how adaptable I am, hoovered back a hearty serve of Bangers ‘n Mash, a batch of good old Fish ‘n Chips too and all washed down with a pint of Cider while my wonderful hosts ate quality British fare, sipped wine and counted down the hours ’till I was safely escorted back to the Eurostar.

Highlights from good ‘ole Blighty?

20131022-001956.jpg– Time with Kent’s family sharing fond memories
– Views from the Shard
– Tate Modern (Paul Klee exhibit)
– Greenwich Fish ‘n Chips (and a waitress who believes in ‘Coddock’, a cross between Cod & haddock)
– West End (Queen Tribute ‘We Will Rock You’)
– St Paul’s Cathedral candle moment
– London’s smallest monument (two tiny mice chewing a knob of cheese)
– An enormous ginger & white puss called Paddy
– My dearly beloved Aunt, Uncle and cousins’ David & Helens respective hospitality – thank you all! X

Oh! And here are a few photos to prove I really was there…

20131022-000637.jpgThe wheel

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Good bye Dubai…’ello London!

A traumatic 38 hours and tattered sense of humor later, arrived at the very funky Hotel Megaro in London with just three things on our minds…stiff drink, hot shower, wa20130514-063037.jpgrm fluffy bed.

Thanks to flight cancellation and unscheduled layover in Dubai, had arrived 12 hours too late to enjoy a lazy Sunday exploring London through David and Helen’s eyes. For those of you who followed the 2011 European jaunt, I’m talking about the very famous cousin Rupert and his lovely wife Hortense who hail from Cambridge.

Having failed dismally with the ‘suck it up Princess’ self talk, more than happily obliged when the concierge insisted we go to the bar before checking in. Seems the sneaky pair refused to be out done by a mere days worth of plans going awry and had secreted themselves there to surprise us.

20130514-063048.jpgSqueals of delight, two stiff drinks, much reminiscing, a sound strategy for future catch up and a very fond farewell later, finally hit that fluffy bed with a deeply satisfying sigh.20130514-063055.jpg

Thank you David and Helen for your thoughtfulness and generosity; for the postcards of London viewed from ‘The Shard’ in lieu of the tour; the sublime Belgian chocolates that served as breakfast on the Brussels bound train next morning; the delectable Rosé gratefully consumed to celebrate arrival in Bruges…and for your love. See you in Italy!

 

 

Posted in AT PLAY, Explore | Comments Off on Good bye Dubai…’ello London!
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