The are a lot of embassy's around here...so there are armed police around paroling; this made us feel secure and scared at the same time.
When Paul (limo driver) brought us to the hotel, he said to count the number of chimneys -that is the way you can tell how many rooms they used have because of the fireplaces, each room had a fireplace.
The night no one slept...felt like we were the median for the freeway.
The men here are (say it with a British accent) "gorgeous mate"...and smell really good to; Wanda said - "if you could only get a room candle that smelled like that, it would save a lot of hassle"-ha!
Towel warmers ,,,
Osyter cards are worth it.
Loads of cyclamens in the flower pots and window boxes.
Throngs of people after the theatre.
Klaus. (never met 'em.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday - to the Market and Library and for "the one"
Late Sunday, slept in. Had a French press pot of coffee and toast then headed off to the tube to make our way to the Spitafields market near Liverpool street where we wandered around the many craft and clothing stalls looking for treasures. So many scarves, so little time :-). They even have sale bins at the market. Leave it to those with Burns genes to find those! Ken was beyond patient while we ogled and awhhhed over fabrics and patterns, cashmere and silks. This was beyond big fun.
We each found a little snack either Caribbean or Thai. Then a little more shopping and on to the library.
500 Ft in London is apparently much longer than in the US, since exiting the underground and seeing the sign we walked several blocks not feet before we finally found the museum. It was worth finding. The Magna Carta, Divinci's, early printings from the 1600's, the Gutenberg Bible and Jayne Austin and more. I loved seeing the handwriting from some of the Beatles early songs. One was written on the back of Julian Lennon's birthday cards.
We ventured back toward the apartment and decide to stop for "the one" as long as it was sunny and warm in the late afternoon. Em headed home while we had our drinks..an African Red for Tricia, Raspberry Vodka Drink for Ken and a Primm Lemonade for me (beautiful drink with lots of fresh fruit and mint). We were having fun watch the people stroll by; commenting on their attire and skills at wrapping those scarves so cleverly around their necks. Skinny legged jeans and boots are definitely in. That and purple. We felt like we should be holding up numbers --like on Dancing with the stars as people strolled by... the best people watching.
Once back 'home' we dug into the shopping bag to look over our treasures again, just like Christmas morning!
Em had enough of the adults and went to read in her room, soon her Mom was on her bed chatting and then I followed along too...but we got booted out.
We decided to eat at a local Indian neighborhood...YUMMY!
Now, we are checked in and almost packed ready to go in the morning. Now just sitting around watching TV and chatting.
We each found a little snack either Caribbean or Thai. Then a little more shopping and on to the library.
500 Ft in London is apparently much longer than in the US, since exiting the underground and seeing the sign we walked several blocks not feet before we finally found the museum. It was worth finding. The Magna Carta, Divinci's, early printings from the 1600's, the Gutenberg Bible and Jayne Austin and more. I loved seeing the handwriting from some of the Beatles early songs. One was written on the back of Julian Lennon's birthday cards.
We ventured back toward the apartment and decide to stop for "the one" as long as it was sunny and warm in the late afternoon. Em headed home while we had our drinks..an African Red for Tricia, Raspberry Vodka Drink for Ken and a Primm Lemonade for me (beautiful drink with lots of fresh fruit and mint). We were having fun watch the people stroll by; commenting on their attire and skills at wrapping those scarves so cleverly around their necks. Skinny legged jeans and boots are definitely in. That and purple. We felt like we should be holding up numbers --like on Dancing with the stars as people strolled by... the best people watching.
Once back 'home' we dug into the shopping bag to look over our treasures again, just like Christmas morning!
Em had enough of the adults and went to read in her room, soon her Mom was on her bed chatting and then I followed along too...but we got booted out.
We decided to eat at a local Indian neighborhood...YUMMY!
Now, we are checked in and almost packed ready to go in the morning. Now just sitting around watching TV and chatting.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
I woke up to the smell of coffee in my room, there is Tricia sneaking in my room with a towel wrapped around her.."oh, fun, naked coffee". Ken had gotten up early to get some lattes and Americano's along with some blueberry, cranberry-Orange muffins at the Cafe Nero down the street.
We started out for the hop-on, hop -off bus that takes you around the city to see the major cites. Sounds like a great idea doesn't it? Well, if we would have found a covered double-Decker it would have been. We were whipping along the streets on the top of the double Decker --it was freezing mate. So we got off near St Paul Cathedral. We saw a wedding party on the steps of the cathedral, many of the women had on wonderful hats and fascinator. I know; what is a fascinator? It is a cute little head piece that is attached with either a comb or a head band. We decided to take a break to warm up and took time for tea at Strata. OK Menu: roasted potatoes; pizza Margaretta; an antipasto plate and wonderful olive oil with balsamic vinegar. YUM.
We took in the cathedral.Emme always catches the cutest phrases. There are 287 or so stairs to the whispering gallery is near the ceiling of the cathedral like a cat walk. A little boy says, " is that the queque to heaven Dad?" And the Dad answered yes. Then the boy said, "it moves along rather quickly, then, doesn't it?" ....if only!
We found a wonderful covered hop-on bus that was not only covered but had heat! The rest of the tour seem much better! On the tour, we found out the meaning behind some of the nursery rhymes. Ring- around the rosie...was about the great London fire from the 1600's. Did you know that? The best part was seeing where the muffin man came from..on Drury Lane. We drove by the most expensive real estate in London: Sean Connery, Margaret Thatcher, Joan Collins. We drove by the only place where the Beatles shared an apartment.
We had to go look for a perfume store that I saw in a magazine..so Tricia, Emme and I headed one way and Ken & Wanda went back to the apartment. I had to use the lady's room so I asked if we could stop in the Ritz...we were all giggling. We were trying to act nonchalant so we walked in and there were men who looked like goons guarding the doors and hallways. I headed to the elevator, trying to act like I belonged, but Tricia got stopped. They approached her and asked if they could help her. She fessed up and said we were looking for a restroom. Even though she was dressed really cute, he looked her over, head to toe and said " We have a dress code here! No, jeans." So we turned our sorry jean-butts around and left. Apparently, that is why they call it putting on the Ritz.
We found the perfumery near the Gucci and Dolce-Gabana stores. Ormonde Jayne. Now one of my two most favorite perfumes!
We took a cab to dinner to Orso. The waitress guessed we were from the states...but she did not want to tell us why until later. Menu: Mussels, Artichokes with lemon and arugula and mint. The main courses were mullet (doesn't sound good, all I could think of was the hair cut from the 70's or 80's ) ...after much discussion, it is a fish. We also had crispy pork with applesauce and dark brown gravy like Mom used to make. Tricia loved it so much that she ordered bread to sop up the gravy.Dessert: sorbet: orange and pineapple. Also plum tarts with vanilla cream. Wanda nipped the menu again...it is a thing with her. Sitting next to us was a cute little girl who was eating dinner with her napkin tied around her head. Her name was Millicent --sound like a Brit right? She was adorable. The waitress told after dinner that most Americans start with lettuce salad and then order meatballs with spaghetti instead of with Mashed potatoes and decaf coffee after dinner...but, no, we are not just ANY Americans!
We took a cab to the theatre. Phoenix theatre where we saw Blood Brothers. It was brilliant! Wanda's word was powerful. It was fun to see how people dress..everything from fancy -schmamcy evening dresses to jeans and sweaters. They also serve "bevies" and during intermission they serve ice cream in tiny little cartons.
When we got out of the theatre it was mad. People everywhere. We started walking and found ourselves near Chinatown...no empty cabs so we kept walking. We (Tricia and Emme) were distracted by more scarves on sale ...just as I was able to hail a cab...but oh, no, we can't pass up that bargain. So we ended up taking the tube home.
Now just sitting around chatting.
We started out for the hop-on, hop -off bus that takes you around the city to see the major cites. Sounds like a great idea doesn't it? Well, if we would have found a covered double-Decker it would have been. We were whipping along the streets on the top of the double Decker --it was freezing mate. So we got off near St Paul Cathedral. We saw a wedding party on the steps of the cathedral, many of the women had on wonderful hats and fascinator. I know; what is a fascinator? It is a cute little head piece that is attached with either a comb or a head band. We decided to take a break to warm up and took time for tea at Strata. OK Menu: roasted potatoes; pizza Margaretta; an antipasto plate and wonderful olive oil with balsamic vinegar. YUM.
We took in the cathedral.Emme always catches the cutest phrases. There are 287 or so stairs to the whispering gallery is near the ceiling of the cathedral like a cat walk. A little boy says, " is that the queque to heaven Dad?" And the Dad answered yes. Then the boy said, "it moves along rather quickly, then, doesn't it?" ....if only!
We found a wonderful covered hop-on bus that was not only covered but had heat! The rest of the tour seem much better! On the tour, we found out the meaning behind some of the nursery rhymes. Ring- around the rosie...was about the great London fire from the 1600's. Did you know that? The best part was seeing where the muffin man came from..on Drury Lane. We drove by the most expensive real estate in London: Sean Connery, Margaret Thatcher, Joan Collins. We drove by the only place where the Beatles shared an apartment.
We had to go look for a perfume store that I saw in a magazine..so Tricia, Emme and I headed one way and Ken & Wanda went back to the apartment. I had to use the lady's room so I asked if we could stop in the Ritz...we were all giggling. We were trying to act nonchalant so we walked in and there were men who looked like goons guarding the doors and hallways. I headed to the elevator, trying to act like I belonged, but Tricia got stopped. They approached her and asked if they could help her. She fessed up and said we were looking for a restroom. Even though she was dressed really cute, he looked her over, head to toe and said " We have a dress code here! No, jeans." So we turned our sorry jean-butts around and left. Apparently, that is why they call it putting on the Ritz.
We found the perfumery near the Gucci and Dolce-Gabana stores. Ormonde Jayne. Now one of my two most favorite perfumes!
We took a cab to dinner to Orso. The waitress guessed we were from the states...but she did not want to tell us why until later. Menu: Mussels, Artichokes with lemon and arugula and mint. The main courses were mullet (doesn't sound good, all I could think of was the hair cut from the 70's or 80's ) ...after much discussion, it is a fish. We also had crispy pork with applesauce and dark brown gravy like Mom used to make. Tricia loved it so much that she ordered bread to sop up the gravy.Dessert: sorbet: orange and pineapple. Also plum tarts with vanilla cream. Wanda nipped the menu again...it is a thing with her. Sitting next to us was a cute little girl who was eating dinner with her napkin tied around her head. Her name was Millicent --sound like a Brit right? She was adorable. The waitress told after dinner that most Americans start with lettuce salad and then order meatballs with spaghetti instead of with Mashed potatoes and decaf coffee after dinner...but, no, we are not just ANY Americans!
We took a cab to the theatre. Phoenix theatre where we saw Blood Brothers. It was brilliant! Wanda's word was powerful. It was fun to see how people dress..everything from fancy -schmamcy evening dresses to jeans and sweaters. They also serve "bevies" and during intermission they serve ice cream in tiny little cartons.
When we got out of the theatre it was mad. People everywhere. We started walking and found ourselves near Chinatown...no empty cabs so we kept walking. We (Tricia and Emme) were distracted by more scarves on sale ...just as I was able to hail a cab...but oh, no, we can't pass up that bargain. So we ended up taking the tube home.
Now just sitting around chatting.
Friday: The Tube, Churches, St Martin and Chocolate
"Ello Mates, Emmie Reporting Today:
Today started in an unusual way. Most mornings on our European vacations (hehe cause I've been on so many) my dearest mother awakens the rest of the crew to start us on our merry way. However this morning we awoke on our own and Mom was no where to be found, assuming she had gone with Dad to breakfast or something, we waited. After a hour and a half hour or so, suspicions arose. Then a very brave Auntie Theresa ventures into the master bedroom, armed with a cup of coffee and found the sleeping Tricia.
I am told the dialogue went like this:
"Tricia, it's after nine."
"AWESOME!"
Since we had found mom, we got ready and started out for the first sight of the day, Westminster Abbey. The weather was a little colder and windier this morning, making me feel like a true Londoner in my black raincoat, scarf and hat. After our tube ride, we surfaced to find ourselves right next to Big Ben and the Eye. After a few pictures we headed to Westminster Abbey to be amazed. Once inside we took the audio tour all around the church, ogling at the enormous statues and decadent chapels. We saw statue after statue of famous King, Queen, Saint etc. In my personal opinion the church itself wasn't as great at Notre Dame. However once we got outside, in the Cloisters, that was really cool but it was something straight out of Harry Potter, it looked like a quidditch field, or as if we should be getting our brooms out for our flying lesson. That was probably my favorite part of Westminster Abbey, looking at the Cloisters seeing the Harry Potter-esque halls and rooms and the oldest door in Britain...not something you see everyday. After our tour we made a quick stop in the Abbey gift shop where I purchased a disgusting little fuzzy gargoyle for my best friend Jade, we headed out towards St. Martin in the field.
Our path to St. Martin's was plagued with many side stops. As we were walking we heard Big Ben chime 12,an experience that made everyone go "oooooh". Then we stopped to look at the royal guards and horses, standing outside the complex where they are kept, and took the stereotypical tourist pictures with the guards. As we realized it was getting near lunch time we were sidetracked even further by the souvenir shops, offering beautiful scarves and hats. Obviously we spent "15 minutes" in the shop, each of us leaving with at least one new scarf. After a short shopping frenzy, we knew we only had a limited amount of time before one of us would keel over from starvation. Luckily we found Walkers, a quaint family owned little pub with a basement restaurant serving "Traditional English Food". I ordered the daily special, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and fresh vegetables. It was delicious, I could hardly believe I enjoyed something called yorkshire pudding, but I did. Mom and Grandma had a parsnip soup which I'm told was delicious and Auntie Theresa had risotto which wasn't so good. For dessert we all partook in some Passion Fruit Cheesecake, which honestly didn't live up to what Passion Fruit Cheesecake should. It was lemony cheesecake.
After our lunch we finally headed to St. Martin's in the field, where we quickly ducked inside the church and looked around then headed downstairs to do our brass rubbings. I picked an elephant (E for emily..elephant..get it?) and Mom chose St. Mark's lion and Auntie Theresa picked the Celtic crosses. It took quite the skill and force to create our artwork, I gave up after a while, it was good enough for me, but Auntie Theresa and Mom kept at it, working toward perfection. I moseyed around the gift shop until they felt satisfied with their work. Then we sat down and decided on our next stop; Harrod’s.
Harrod’s was like every fancy department store in the movies. Everywhere I looked I saw staff members dressed in suits, waiting to please. We stopped in the perfume section, smelling around, then we moved to the gift section which looked like a toy store at Christmas time, full of people looking at every toy and bag. I believe the gift section had that most “almost-buys” for our group. But no purchases were made. Then we ventured to the food section of the store, I of course found the cupcake counter, displaying beautiful cupcakes in every flavor imaginable. I chose a mini chocolate cupcake, mom picked a mini coconut cupcake, and Grandma a mini red velvet cupcake and Aunt Theresa indulged in a mini carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting. So we did make a purchase in Harrod’s, delightful mini cupcakes. After our sweet treat we went the 4th floor to look at the junior’s clothes, of course I wished I could buy the whole floor, everything was soooo cute but alas I am not made of money. After some painful ogling we moved to the shoe department to find Auntie Theresa’s favorite designer shoes by Christian Louboutin, red soled heels that are actually “to die for”. Of course these shoes are so special that Harrod’s keeps them behind a black curtain and in a small room called “the Couture Room”. This room was like paradise, filled with the cutest shoes I’ve ever seen, from the best known designers around the world. In this small room there were two guards, one of whom informed me that no pictures are allowed (I still got one. :] ). After our Harrod’s stop our crew was running a little ragged, after a quick taxi ride we were back at our apartment to rest up for the evening’s activities. After a quick rest Mom and Auntie Theresa decided they would like to go to the National Photo Gallery and see, as our bus tour guide said “some good pictures”, while Dad, Grandma and I endured watching a fishing tournament on the telly. And that wasn’t even as fun as it sounds. After a short while, though it seemed like an eternity, Mom and Auntie Theresa returned and the entire posse set out for dinner. Auntie Theresa chose the small Italian restaurant, just a short walk from our apartment, where we had seen some decadent pizza’s being served the day before. However our dinner wasn’t quite up to par. Grandma had the best dish of the evening, with pumpkin ravioli and the rest of us followed with Veal Marsala, pizzas and spaghetti (which was more like spaghetti-o’s). It wasn’t our best meal in London so we went without dessert, not wanting to endure anymore. When we finished dinner, Auntie Theresa and I walked to Tesco’s, the local grocery store, to stock up on breakfast supplies. Yet we were sidetracked by the chocolate and managed to come home with little traditional breakfast food but a lot of chocolates. Our chocolate list includes, Maltesers (chocolate malted milk balls which are apparently “The lighter way to enjoy chocolate”), Cadbury chocolate with caramel, and Snickers. A special note for Maureen, our check out guy at Tesco’s did call me “Love”
Today started in an unusual way. Most mornings on our European vacations (hehe cause I've been on so many) my dearest mother awakens the rest of the crew to start us on our merry way. However this morning we awoke on our own and Mom was no where to be found, assuming she had gone with Dad to breakfast or something, we waited. After a hour and a half hour or so, suspicions arose. Then a very brave Auntie Theresa ventures into the master bedroom, armed with a cup of coffee and found the sleeping Tricia.
I am told the dialogue went like this:
"Tricia, it's after nine."
"AWESOME!"
Since we had found mom, we got ready and started out for the first sight of the day, Westminster Abbey. The weather was a little colder and windier this morning, making me feel like a true Londoner in my black raincoat, scarf and hat. After our tube ride, we surfaced to find ourselves right next to Big Ben and the Eye. After a few pictures we headed to Westminster Abbey to be amazed. Once inside we took the audio tour all around the church, ogling at the enormous statues and decadent chapels. We saw statue after statue of famous King, Queen, Saint etc. In my personal opinion the church itself wasn't as great at Notre Dame. However once we got outside, in the Cloisters, that was really cool but it was something straight out of Harry Potter, it looked like a quidditch field, or as if we should be getting our brooms out for our flying lesson. That was probably my favorite part of Westminster Abbey, looking at the Cloisters seeing the Harry Potter-esque halls and rooms and the oldest door in Britain...not something you see everyday. After our tour we made a quick stop in the Abbey gift shop where I purchased a disgusting little fuzzy gargoyle for my best friend Jade, we headed out towards St. Martin in the field.
Our path to St. Martin's was plagued with many side stops. As we were walking we heard Big Ben chime 12,an experience that made everyone go "oooooh". Then we stopped to look at the royal guards and horses, standing outside the complex where they are kept, and took the stereotypical tourist pictures with the guards. As we realized it was getting near lunch time we were sidetracked even further by the souvenir shops, offering beautiful scarves and hats. Obviously we spent "15 minutes" in the shop, each of us leaving with at least one new scarf. After a short shopping frenzy, we knew we only had a limited amount of time before one of us would keel over from starvation. Luckily we found Walkers, a quaint family owned little pub with a basement restaurant serving "Traditional English Food". I ordered the daily special, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and fresh vegetables. It was delicious, I could hardly believe I enjoyed something called yorkshire pudding, but I did. Mom and Grandma had a parsnip soup which I'm told was delicious and Auntie Theresa had risotto which wasn't so good. For dessert we all partook in some Passion Fruit Cheesecake, which honestly didn't live up to what Passion Fruit Cheesecake should. It was lemony cheesecake.
After our lunch we finally headed to St. Martin's in the field, where we quickly ducked inside the church and looked around then headed downstairs to do our brass rubbings. I picked an elephant (E for emily..elephant..get it?) and Mom chose St. Mark's lion and Auntie Theresa picked the Celtic crosses. It took quite the skill and force to create our artwork, I gave up after a while, it was good enough for me, but Auntie Theresa and Mom kept at it, working toward perfection. I moseyed around the gift shop until they felt satisfied with their work. Then we sat down and decided on our next stop; Harrod’s.
Harrod’s was like every fancy department store in the movies. Everywhere I looked I saw staff members dressed in suits, waiting to please. We stopped in the perfume section, smelling around, then we moved to the gift section which looked like a toy store at Christmas time, full of people looking at every toy and bag. I believe the gift section had that most “almost-buys” for our group. But no purchases were made. Then we ventured to the food section of the store, I of course found the cupcake counter, displaying beautiful cupcakes in every flavor imaginable. I chose a mini chocolate cupcake, mom picked a mini coconut cupcake, and Grandma a mini red velvet cupcake and Aunt Theresa indulged in a mini carrot cupcake with cream cheese frosting. So we did make a purchase in Harrod’s, delightful mini cupcakes. After our sweet treat we went the 4th floor to look at the junior’s clothes, of course I wished I could buy the whole floor, everything was soooo cute but alas I am not made of money. After some painful ogling we moved to the shoe department to find Auntie Theresa’s favorite designer shoes by Christian Louboutin, red soled heels that are actually “to die for”. Of course these shoes are so special that Harrod’s keeps them behind a black curtain and in a small room called “the Couture Room”. This room was like paradise, filled with the cutest shoes I’ve ever seen, from the best known designers around the world. In this small room there were two guards, one of whom informed me that no pictures are allowed (I still got one. :] ). After our Harrod’s stop our crew was running a little ragged, after a quick taxi ride we were back at our apartment to rest up for the evening’s activities. After a quick rest Mom and Auntie Theresa decided they would like to go to the National Photo Gallery and see, as our bus tour guide said “some good pictures”, while Dad, Grandma and I endured watching a fishing tournament on the telly. And that wasn’t even as fun as it sounds. After a short while, though it seemed like an eternity, Mom and Auntie Theresa returned and the entire posse set out for dinner. Auntie Theresa chose the small Italian restaurant, just a short walk from our apartment, where we had seen some decadent pizza’s being served the day before. However our dinner wasn’t quite up to par. Grandma had the best dish of the evening, with pumpkin ravioli and the rest of us followed with Veal Marsala, pizzas and spaghetti (which was more like spaghetti-o’s). It wasn’t our best meal in London so we went without dessert, not wanting to endure anymore. When we finished dinner, Auntie Theresa and I walked to Tesco’s, the local grocery store, to stock up on breakfast supplies. Yet we were sidetracked by the chocolate and managed to come home with little traditional breakfast food but a lot of chocolates. Our chocolate list includes, Maltesers (chocolate malted milk balls which are apparently “The lighter way to enjoy chocolate”), Cadbury chocolate with caramel, and Snickers. A special note for Maureen, our check out guy at Tesco’s did call me “Love”
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dressed to Kill .....but no one lost their head!
I woke up to a fresh cup of coffee being delivered to my room. Wow, how fabulous was that!Well, actually, it was a bribe because we were late! We slept in til 0930.
Trish made us breakfast: scrambled eggs, pork sausage that had apples in them, clementines, heavy grain bread called Crunchy Loaf: Grains and seeds and croissant for Em. Then we were off to the tube to go see the Tower of London.
First, the day was perfect. Sunny and lovely. We had arrived and missed the first yeoman tours so we headed off to see the jewels. The crowns and crosses were amazing. They are encased in glass and to move the crowds along, there is a moving walk way. They were so beautiful. One of the diamonds was 530 carats. My favorite was one of the petite diamond crown. We needed another go at them so we went back to see them from the other side. Em waited for us. As she was waiting she overhead a few school children talking (read with a true British accent) " I don't care about crowns, I've got my own, I'm starving!!" Cute huh! and he was a boy!
We saw where Anne Boleyn lost her head...literally. They now have a memorial with a etched pillow. Ironic, that was be the symbol...was it because she lost her head or was it the way they brought the head into be presented?
After tour of the Tower of London we went back to the apartment to change for Tea.
We had Tea at Browns on Albemarle street (across from Tiffany's). OK, Tea. Well, Trish and I had to start with a glass of champagne. The hostess asked if we wanted ordinary champagne or rose champagne. Ordinary Champagne? Silly girl. We had an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones that we light and slightly sweet with clotted cream and another plate of lovely desserts. The ladies had different teas: lemon verbena; a white tea with cucumber and lemon the Brown's own morning tea. I, of course had coffee. The room was eclectic with a slight formal & art deco twist. There was soft piano music playing in the background. One of Wanda's favorite songs Moon River played. Of course we had to reminisce about Andy Williams then.
We walked back to the apartment to find a note from Ken... he was to be found at the Only Running Footman bar down the street. We decided to walk down to meet him...and just as we thought, he was outside having (for all you Celtic Storm fans) "the one" standing outside. This is really crazy, because they can not smoke inside, they stand outside and drink- spilling into the streets. Fun.
We walked to dinner at the Market Brasserie. Since Emme has coined the phrase "that it is really all about the food and just the other stuff you do in between" the menu:
-Carrot soup with grated ginger in a chicken broth
-welsh rarebit
-Cajun chicken with rice
-garlic chicken with mashed potatoes
Desserts:
an assortment of sorbets (mango, lemon and raspberry) and a warm tart with clotted cream. Hands down sorbets are winning the taste test! To make the point, Wanda had 2 spoons at the ready this evening.
Good night, London! We will be on the Westminster walking tour tomorrow.
Trish made us breakfast: scrambled eggs, pork sausage that had apples in them, clementines, heavy grain bread called Crunchy Loaf: Grains and seeds and croissant for Em. Then we were off to the tube to go see the Tower of London.
First, the day was perfect. Sunny and lovely. We had arrived and missed the first yeoman tours so we headed off to see the jewels. The crowns and crosses were amazing. They are encased in glass and to move the crowds along, there is a moving walk way. They were so beautiful. One of the diamonds was 530 carats. My favorite was one of the petite diamond crown. We needed another go at them so we went back to see them from the other side. Em waited for us. As she was waiting she overhead a few school children talking (read with a true British accent) " I don't care about crowns, I've got my own, I'm starving!!" Cute huh! and he was a boy!
We saw where Anne Boleyn lost her head...literally. They now have a memorial with a etched pillow. Ironic, that was be the symbol...was it because she lost her head or was it the way they brought the head into be presented?
After tour of the Tower of London we went back to the apartment to change for Tea.
We had Tea at Browns on Albemarle street (across from Tiffany's). OK, Tea. Well, Trish and I had to start with a glass of champagne. The hostess asked if we wanted ordinary champagne or rose champagne. Ordinary Champagne? Silly girl. We had an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones that we light and slightly sweet with clotted cream and another plate of lovely desserts. The ladies had different teas: lemon verbena; a white tea with cucumber and lemon the Brown's own morning tea. I, of course had coffee. The room was eclectic with a slight formal & art deco twist. There was soft piano music playing in the background. One of Wanda's favorite songs Moon River played. Of course we had to reminisce about Andy Williams then.
We walked back to the apartment to find a note from Ken... he was to be found at the Only Running Footman bar down the street. We decided to walk down to meet him...and just as we thought, he was outside having (for all you Celtic Storm fans) "the one" standing outside. This is really crazy, because they can not smoke inside, they stand outside and drink- spilling into the streets. Fun.
We walked to dinner at the Market Brasserie. Since Emme has coined the phrase "that it is really all about the food and just the other stuff you do in between" the menu:
-Carrot soup with grated ginger in a chicken broth
-welsh rarebit
-Cajun chicken with rice
-garlic chicken with mashed potatoes
Desserts:
an assortment of sorbets (mango, lemon and raspberry) and a warm tart with clotted cream. Hands down sorbets are winning the taste test! To make the point, Wanda had 2 spoons at the ready this evening.
Good night, London! We will be on the Westminster walking tour tomorrow.
Wednesday Night- rosary and relics
Tricia discovered that the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux were going to be at the Westminster Cathedral the week we were to be in London. So, we had planned (on the spreadsheet) to go to see it after dinner. We thought that we would have an easy time going late in the evening to see the relics, as they had an all night vigil. Well, as we rounded the corner we saw a mob of people standing in front of the church. We walked to what we thought was the end of the line, to find out the end of the line was around the corner and down the block. We were looking at an hour and a half wait...Remember that some of us had not slept on the plane.
Thankfully, the night was pleasant. As we were waiting, I said to Trish, "Why aren't they saying the rosary." Just a few seconds later, we heard someone saying the rosary, so we joined in. The couple were from south of London: Mark and Emppy. The were such a wonderful couple. They offered us their scarves and coats when we said we felt a little chilled. They were fascinated that we had just arrived from the states and had joined the vigil. Several times, Emppy offered to have Mark grab us a cup of coffee from the mobile Fish and Chips stand that was nearby. Mark noted for us that his wife is always generous with his services. Everytime Emppy would say Mark would do something, I would think of Bridget Jones Diary and Bridget saying "Mark" .We s l o w l y made our way through the que into the church.
As we entered there was the most etherial singing, "Come Lord Jesus"..it was so beautiful and at 11p.m. when we finally got into the church, it was full.
Thankfully, the night was pleasant. As we were waiting, I said to Trish, "Why aren't they saying the rosary." Just a few seconds later, we heard someone saying the rosary, so we joined in. The couple were from south of London: Mark and Emppy. The were such a wonderful couple. They offered us their scarves and coats when we said we felt a little chilled. They were fascinated that we had just arrived from the states and had joined the vigil. Several times, Emppy offered to have Mark grab us a cup of coffee from the mobile Fish and Chips stand that was nearby. Mark noted for us that his wife is always generous with his services. Everytime Emppy would say Mark would do something, I would think of Bridget Jones Diary and Bridget saying "Mark" .We s l o w l y made our way through the que into the church.
As we entered there was the most etherial singing, "Come Lord Jesus"..it was so beautiful and at 11p.m. when we finally got into the church, it was full.
Hello London! -Arrive Wednesday.
We left the Twin Cities on time, no problems with the flight, no crying babies or other major distractions on the way. Some of us slept, others were awake ALL night!
When we exited the Airport-- there he was ...Paul, our Limo Driver, holding the sign for the Jorgensens. How fun is that. Walking into a foreign country, that is so anticipating your arrival, they hold signs up! We got the grand tour on the way to the hotel. We are in the W1 section of London-- Central London. Very Nice. On the drive Paul told us that the leaves were just starting to fall on the "floor". Getting closer to the hotel, we saw a few pubs, Ken made a comment that it seemed to be within walking distance. Paul corrected him, saying, "no, that is within staggering distance!"
The apartment has two levels, the upper has the sitting room and dining room with a full kitchen. The colors are blues and yellows.
We went for a walking in the neighborhood and found a small cafe for a shared chicken and brie sandwich. Ken was on a mission because the 'adapter' we brought seemed to not be working. So, he was chatting up several people along the way to find out way none of our multiple electronics was working. One subway ride and several chats later, we need a converter, not just an adapter....bye, bye expensive flat iron that was the test guinne pig for the first round.
For dinner, we walked over to Sofra, a quaint little bistro that was greek and mediterranian. So, OK, for the foodie. I will be detailed. The first word...yummy
Ken had a Hot Fish stew with wonderful sauce. Tricia had a chicken dish with a sauce that had coconut, curry and peppers...very yummy. Emmie had a scotch steak, medium rare, please and of course the obligatory potatoes. Wanda had a 'meatball' dish--but they were a very pleasant mild flavor. I had chicken skewers with rice..grilled.
But the deserts!! This will be the taste test for the week.
Sofra special was a mixture of milk pudding with assorted berries, pistachios and a rose water syrup. ..unbelieveable. The other dish was a sorbet with fruit that had a grapefruit base in the syrup-- also yummy. Tricia (silly girl) left for the ladies room and the desserts arrive seconds later.
We started sampling, and had to stop, they were so good. Finally, Tricia came back, we were all starring at her while she sampled,waiting to see her asessment and so we could all have another go at the desserts. Wanda was waiting, spoon in the air at attention...ready to dive in. We wanted to describe these for you, so I said let's nip a dessert menu on the way out. Tricia reminded me that we were going to church in few minutes...so Wanda, said that she would nip it for me on the way out :-)
More about church and the relics later, got to go, we are behind schedule (say it like a brit! ) our spreadsheet of events had us at the tour of london an hour ago.
We are going for tea later too.!
When we exited the Airport-- there he was ...Paul, our Limo Driver, holding the sign for the Jorgensens. How fun is that. Walking into a foreign country, that is so anticipating your arrival, they hold signs up! We got the grand tour on the way to the hotel. We are in the W1 section of London-- Central London. Very Nice. On the drive Paul told us that the leaves were just starting to fall on the "floor". Getting closer to the hotel, we saw a few pubs, Ken made a comment that it seemed to be within walking distance. Paul corrected him, saying, "no, that is within staggering distance!"
The apartment has two levels, the upper has the sitting room and dining room with a full kitchen. The colors are blues and yellows.
We went for a walking in the neighborhood and found a small cafe for a shared chicken and brie sandwich. Ken was on a mission because the 'adapter' we brought seemed to not be working. So, he was chatting up several people along the way to find out way none of our multiple electronics was working. One subway ride and several chats later, we need a converter, not just an adapter....bye, bye expensive flat iron that was the test guinne pig for the first round.
For dinner, we walked over to Sofra, a quaint little bistro that was greek and mediterranian. So, OK, for the foodie. I will be detailed. The first word...yummy
Ken had a Hot Fish stew with wonderful sauce. Tricia had a chicken dish with a sauce that had coconut, curry and peppers...very yummy. Emmie had a scotch steak, medium rare, please and of course the obligatory potatoes. Wanda had a 'meatball' dish--but they were a very pleasant mild flavor. I had chicken skewers with rice..grilled.
But the deserts!! This will be the taste test for the week.
Sofra special was a mixture of milk pudding with assorted berries, pistachios and a rose water syrup. ..unbelieveable. The other dish was a sorbet with fruit that had a grapefruit base in the syrup-- also yummy. Tricia (silly girl) left for the ladies room and the desserts arrive seconds later.
We started sampling, and had to stop, they were so good. Finally, Tricia came back, we were all starring at her while she sampled,waiting to see her asessment and so we could all have another go at the desserts. Wanda was waiting, spoon in the air at attention...ready to dive in. We wanted to describe these for you, so I said let's nip a dessert menu on the way out. Tricia reminded me that we were going to church in few minutes...so Wanda, said that she would nip it for me on the way out :-)
More about church and the relics later, got to go, we are behind schedule (say it like a brit! ) our spreadsheet of events had us at the tour of london an hour ago.
We are going for tea later too.!
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