dorfan2

Loved reading every word of your report. Wish I had a DC to plan and guide me through Scotland!

maitaitom

Great so far. Of course, looking forward to London part of your trip!

julia_t

Wonderful janis, I'm enjoying reading about your exploits before you got to the London GTG!

Mathieu

Enjoying this very much as well : The descriptions of the sites, all the food ('cheese and chutney' sarnies), the people, the familiar British colloquialisms... ('too clever by half', queues, blind summits, etc. )

Looking forward to more.


M.

irishface

Thanks for sharing the story of your trip. I am not particularly a foodie, so your meal descriptions were just enough and made me want to try some of the goodies! Looking forward to the rest of the story!

amelie

Thanks for sharing!

europeannovice

Janisj,

Enjoying your trip report. You got me nervous though about driving on the left!

When we were in Scotland it also poured. We were there last year during the deluge--a lot of flooding in the nearby areas. We were at Edinburgh Castle in the pouring rain and thought we would be the only ones--but believe it or not it was quite busy. It did clear up though by the time we left so we could view the Camera Obscura.

Texasbookworm--We did a lot in one day in Edinburgh so I am sure you will be able to see quite a bit too. Start at the top by the Castle and work your way down the Royal Mile. I highly recommend the Castle of course, Camera Obscura as soon as you exit the castle, St Giles Cathedral--(we heard a choir that day practicing--magnificent), Gladstone's Land and the Writer's Museum at Lady Stairs Close--especially since I know you love the literary connections. In the evening try to do Mary Kings Close--it was quite interesting. Enjoy and can't wait to read your report too!

janisj

<B>May 3 - train to London, settling in, and saved by my iPad mini (my new favorite possession!)</B>

Settled our charges at Kilconquhar the night before so in the morning we just took out the trash and left a little before 7:00AM and got to EDI just after 8:00. National rep not at all concerned about the destroyed offside mirror - didn't even blink. Just said 'enjoy the rest of your trip'. (When we picked up the car last week, the card indicated a small scratch on the driver's side door. I looked and looked and could find nothing - then found a small scratch on the off side door. Went back into the office and had them change the notation and initial it. Little did I know that tiny scratch would be NOTHING compared to the exploded mirror )

Took a cab from EDI to Waverly station and waited for the train at 10:30. We found discounted tix so decided to splurge on first class. Assumed it would be uncrowded/quiet -- NOT. We were i w/ a large group of friends from Dundee traveling down to London for a long weekend - <B>party central</B>!!!

They were doing pub games, quizzes, bingo, etc., and some major drinking - but no sloppy drunks, and very friendly. One was a TA Black Watch. He was amazed I had been to Ft George (twice) walked the walls and seen the dolphins, and attended performances of the pipes/drums back home in California. DC and I played one of their pub games and got 9 of 10 which tied for second place.

First class was terrific - had a beetroot and Brie tart, later a smoked salmon sandwich and they poured water glasses full of wine - massive amounts of wine. Also got a miniature of Famous Grouse. Was a really fun ride.

Took a taxi from King's Cross to the marina and the cabbie phoned the agency's rep for us. He was glad we were a tad late because tenants in another flat were late vacating and he was behind with everything. In fact he was a bit frazzled - which may explain what happened later. The flat is fabulous - good sized living room (and too big dining table) nice kitchen bedroom w/ twin beds and very large closet, and bathroom w/ deep tub and hand help shower . . . and a terrific balcony with great views and table/chairs. The marina/boats, back of the Dickens Inn and Gherkin in one direction, and the top of Tower Bridge and the Shard the other.

David took off and we decided to walk over to the supermarket and stock up on breakfast foods, wine, chocolate digestive biscuits -- all the major food groups The flat is up on the 6th floor of the complex and it is semi-similar to the Barbican. Hallways, and open walkways and lots of lifts/stairs/dead ends. We got totally lost going to/from Waitrose but eventually made it there and back . . . and <B>OMG</B>!!! you need an entry code to open the ground floor access door. And in David's rushed state he had neglected to tell us that little detail! So there we are - six bags of groceries (HEAVY bags - wine after all). My mind is racing - what to do? I was going to leave DC w/ the groceries and go looking for someone - and did I mention it was bloody COLD and threatening to rain. (and no we didn't have a cell phone)

But thank God, after about 10 minutes a young woman arrived home from work and let us in. We had thought about riding teh Eye tonight - but are stuck in the flat - can't leave because we can't get back in

There is a sort of pay phone in the flat but we couldn't get it to work. I had my brand new iPad mini and had downloaded Skype and also added about $15 credit for regular calls. It is now about 6:30 and I ended up using the iPad to phone the agency - which was essentially a long distance call from California (they are not on site and I assume work out of their home since they have answered in the past outside of normal office hours) Renata answered after 2 rings and we are SAVED. She gave me the entry code . . . . And then as we were leaving the flat later in the evening . . .we found the combination on the back of the front door (a lot of help that does when one is outside the bldg.)

<B>May 4 - Portobello - finally found my Tantalus, Westminster Abbey and Cabinet War Rooms</B>

Last June I searched for a tantalus and found a shop at Portobello Rd that specializes in them - but ran out of time to make a selection. So this trip I'm on a mission to go back there and buy one. I wanted to get to Portobello Rd early to avoid the worst of the crowds, But we left flat a little late and didn't get to Portobello Rd until about 9:30. Was already mobbed. Visited the shop first but he only had 5 or 6 'tantali' - an American dealer had just bought 7 of them and the stock was really low. But I found one I really liked - oak w/ silver mounts (well - silver plate anyway) a front escutcheon/lock and silver handle. It is sitting on my oak Welsh dresser and looks wunnerful! We bought a few other small things in other shops stalls, a couple of mounted photos and each of us a pair of shoes. and shoes. By 10:30 the p,ace was PACKED!! Sardines - all swimming the same direction! So much so that is was Very difficult to walk back to tube station.

From Notting Hill Gate we went to Westminster Abbey - DC was very impressed. They send you on a new route - more like it was in the old days when one entered through the west door. The new tour route and Jeremy Irons on the audio guide are a vast improvements. Unfortunately the Chapter House is currently closed to visitors.

We had lunch in the Abbey restaurant and then walked over to the Churchill museum/Cabinet War Rooms. They've expanded the tour a bit - one really needs to allow at least 90 minutes. Then we walked through St James's Park just to see Buckingham Palace and then over to Inn the Park - we were too late for afternoon tea/the restaurant so had juice, wine, cakes in the self serve side.

Took the tube back to Tower Hill and stopped for dinner at Cafe Rouge - I wasn't all that hungry so had olives, onion soup, wine . . . and creme caramel

DC is too beat so no TKTS or play tonight. Her DIL and Grandkids Skyped us at about 10:30...

Next: Tower of London, British Library, Keys Ceremony

janisj

"You got me nervous though about driving on the left!"

Don't be a wuss Just one little mirror (well - big mirror actually)

Suki

Bookmarking, so I can follow along.

LCBoniti

Love this, janisj! Love London and planning another trip for Sept. Looking forward to more.

maitaitom

"Anyway I totally smashed the offside mirror on the diversion sign. It didn't just break -- it exploded."

Looking forward to see if I can exceed your damage on our Fall trip. You have set the bar high.

janisj

<B>May 6 - Hampton Court Palace, Singing in the Rain</B>

We took an early train to Hampton Court. Terrific day, weather really fantastic. As w/ most anyone who visits HCP for the first time, it was 'knock your socks off' top four for DC. (Inchmahome, Glamis, the Tower and HCP were her top 4). The grounds/gardens were very pretty but not at their best. Mainly LOTS of tulips and colorful under plantings. We ate lunch at the tiltyard cafe - very VERY crowded due to Bank holiday but we found a table to share w/ an elderly couple from Richmond and had a lovely visit.

Took the train back to town and went to TKTS just to look/see. I was leaning to One man Two Guvnors . . . But thinking about it, DC wasn't always able to understand the various 'accents' we encountered (and yes, she understood it was <i>us</i> who had the accents - but you know what I mean) so I thought that play might not be the best choice. We ended up getting terrific seats for for Singin' in the Rain - 2nd row center Dress Circle. Great stalls seats were available but knowing you get drenched sitting there - dress circle was a no brainer. Yes - I saw it last June but it is such a fun show I didn't mind at all. Four Americans were just behind us in line and they were trying to decide - leaning toward Singin in the Rain as well. I suggested that they just <i>might</i> be happier up stairs and not in the stalls (I ran into them in the bar during the interval and they were VERY happy they listened to me!

We didn't really have time to return to the flat so we popped into both St Martins in the Field and the National Gallery. Only spent about 45 minutes in the Nat'l Gallery but enough to give DC a taste. Then we walked over to Covent Garden and watched a couple of the buskers and did a teensy bit of shopping before going upstairs for early dinner at Raymond Blanc's cafe (It has nicer decor and atmosphere than its previous incarnation as Cafe Gerard - but otherwise not impressive)

The Palace is a fairly easy walk over from Covent Garden but DC is not a great walker and I didn't really want her trudging to the theatre. I was thinking of hailing a cab, but really now - it is very walkable. Then I got a 'brilliant' idea. We'd take one of the pedi-cabs parked in Russell St. Make it into an 'event. And he was good - he heard me explaining to DC about things nearby - Royal Opera House, seven dials, Neal's yard dairy, etc . . . And he detoured/wheeled us around past all of those and more. We ended up with a nice little tour on our way to the theatre. I gave him a big tip.

The musical was just as good w/ the new cast members - the actor who played Cosmo was better than the original I saw last year (I'll have to look up the cast members)

<B>May 7 - St Paul's, Tea at the Ritz, and Helen Mirren/The Audience</B>

I booked just airports for our trip out to LHR for Friday morning. They quoted £33 which IMO is terrific St Katharine's. But then ensuing confirmation and e-mails back and forth they said we'd need an MPV for £48?!? WTF? Why - two passengers, two carry on suitcase and two cabin bags. I tried again to explain that out suitcases were just small 21 inch rollaboards but they kept saying 4 pieces of luggage = MPV, no exceptions. So I used the iPad to ring them (again long distance from California) and once I explained it yet again she said no problem - a saloon/£33. Did is say I LOVE my iPad!!!

Left the flat around 10:00 for St Paul's - took the #15 - DC's first bus ride and it was on a classic routemaster w/ a conductor - like I planned it! . We spent about an hour in the cathedral and had tea/pastries in the crypt cafe. We walked across the wobbly bridge (no it doesn't wobble anymore but I just like that name) and took quick looks at Tate Modern and the Globe. Back on the #15 to flat to relax and change. A few hours later we took the tube to Piccadilly Circus to collect tickets at the Gielgud, and then on to Green Park and the Ritz. Tea was very nice of course and the room is gorgeous - but maybe not of the same standard as my previous visits. This may have been my last Ritz tea - will try one of the other posh hotels next trip.

Then cab to the Gielgud - play was amazing!!! The entire cast was terrific but Richard McCabe who plays Harold Wilson almost steals the show (even from Dame Helen). The Queen's on stage costume changes were amazing. And the corgis of course We were in the 2nd row pretty much center - and the entire run is sold out so we were REALLY lucky. I had booked back before it opened and even then we were limited to which nights had availability.

Next - V&A, Harrods, and a <B><red>Fodors GTG!</B>

thursdaysd

Don't you have wifi available? Because if so you can Skype with the iPad without having it be a long distance call from California.

bilboburgler

"Millennium Bridge", poor old Caro would be having a fright at the "wobbly bridge" good stuff janisj

Cathinjoetown

Very fortunate cousin to have you as a tour guide and bargain-finder.

I want to see "your" lake; Inchie farm looked cozy. Agee with your DC on Hampton Court, much prefer it to Windsor.

Finally, you saw The Audience!! Such riches.

Looking forward to more.

europeannovice

The wuss here--or chicken little


Both the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace were among our top favorites too. Son loved the live kitchen demonstrations that were going on that day at HCP. We definitely preferred Hampton Court over Windsor too.

For a different afternoon tea venture next time, I recommend the Claridges. We really enjoyed the tea and the sandwiches were fresh and delicious and were replenished as often as we wanted.

Loving your report.

janisj

<B>May 8 - V&A, Harrods and GTG at the Old Bank</B>

We hit the V&A first. Mainly the Raphael Cartoons, the Jewelry (not sure I like the 'new and improved' jewelry displays,) the silver and a few other galleries. Ate lunch in the Poynter Room (after showing DC the Gamble and Morris rooms). Had my first and only Pimm's of the trip.

While we were sitting on a bench under the Chihuly chandelier going over the floor plan so DC could decide which areas would interest her the most another American woman sat down next to us and asked if we thought the guided tours were 'worth it'. I said sure - the museums usually have really good tours though I haven't been on one at the V&A in probably 15 or 20 years. We chatted for a few minutes while she waited for her tour guide. DC: "Where are you from?" Her: "San Francisco" Me: "Oh, small world - I'm from near Sacramento." Her: Oh, I'm not really from San Francisco - I just say that since no one has heard of El Dorado Hills." (*EDH is an upscale suburb near Sacramento). We laughed about being practically next door neighbors - she then asked where DC is from - DC: "Mount Shasta" Her: "OMG!!! I live most of the year in Hornbrook!!!" (*Hornbrook is a TINY hamlet, probably less than 200 people - in far northern California near Mt Shasta). Truly bizarre coincidence. Then her guide walked over - she was the only one signed up so we told her to enjoy her private tour of the V&A.

Then we went to Harrods - (I know, I know ) but I buy an enamel box there every single trip and it is tradition now. There is still a LOT of construction, reorganizing going on since the new owners took over a couple of years ago. DC picked up mainly Harrods souvenirs.

Then back to the flat to change - I guess DC was semi-uneasy about potential internet axe murders. She must have asked me 3 or 4 times over a couple of days if I was nervous to meet the others. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it - at first I assumed she was kidding but realized she actually was getting FAR outside her comfort zone. So I decided we probably should arrive a bit early so she could settle in and maybe have a drink before the axe murderers showed up. We took the tube to Temple and walked to the Old Bank on Fleet Street and were the first there. (It is a terrific bldg but has some confusing order/pay procedures. During the evening it seemed our waiter was mainly there to tell us we were doing things wrong )

Julia_t arrived next - it was pretty noisy so I really only hear the "J" and initially thought she said Jamie. Got that bit of confusion sorted out about the real jamikins arrived. Then PatrickLondon, then Oreilly/Ger, then bikerscott . . . And finally at about 6:45 the elusive Flanner! What a great group!!! - Lots of really interesting conversation. My only problem was the pub was pretty crowded/noisy and being around one long-ish table it was hard to hear those not sitting next to you. There were just so many cross conversations going on one needed a scorecard

Flanner left first because he had to catch the last train. But the rest of us stuck around til quite late. Said our goodbyes and started walking toward the tube station but decided to hail a cab. (And DC had a thoroughly great time - she really enjoyed meeting everyone)

Next: our last full day and wrap up/loose ends . . .

Nikki

Glad to hear about the get-together, and I know what you are saying about the long table in the noisy pub (especially when some people are pretty soft-spoken). You don't want to miss a word said in person by the folks you've been reading for years.

PatrickLondon

Since it was me that suggested the venue, I do apologise! Obviously another factor to put into the GTG planning guidebook.