goddesstogo and mr. goddess's big London adventure (an ongoing tale)
Oct 21st, 2010, 10:17 AM
#381
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Do they really?! Glad I didn't know that when I was studying in London 11 years ago - poor college student with no fashion sense who just wanted to get her granddaddy some Harrod's golf balls. 
Glad your ear is hopefully on the mend, GTG!
Glad your ear is hopefully on the mend, GTG!
Oct 21st, 2010, 01:07 PM
#382
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gtg: I'm with Emily71 "Could you stay longer? Don't know when I go overseas again and I'm living vicariously through your reports"
I've been to London in November but not when they have the Christmas lights up. One of these days....
I've been to London in November but not when they have the Christmas lights up. One of these days....
Oct 21st, 2010, 01:18 PM
#383
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Thanks, jent. It feels almost better now. I hope it will be fine by tomorrow.
I haven't been in London in the pre-Christmas period but my absolute favourite time to be in NYC is the week before Christmas. It's fabulous.
I haven't been in London in the pre-Christmas period but my absolute favourite time to be in NYC is the week before Christmas. It's fabulous.
Oct 21st, 2010, 01:43 PM
#385
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Darn, no bathing suits while shopping at Harrod's. Flip flops...I bet they sell them.
"We aim to make shopping at Harrods pleasurable in every respect. To achieve this we operate a dress code, which has been widely welcomed by our customers.
The Dress Code does not permit any person to enter the store dressed in the following manner: wearing high-cut, Bermuda or beach shorts; swimwear; athletic singlets; cycling shorts; flip flops or thong sandals; with a bare midriff or bare feet; or wearing dirty or unkempt clothing"
"We aim to make shopping at Harrods pleasurable in every respect. To achieve this we operate a dress code, which has been widely welcomed by our customers.
The Dress Code does not permit any person to enter the store dressed in the following manner: wearing high-cut, Bermuda or beach shorts; swimwear; athletic singlets; cycling shorts; flip flops or thong sandals; with a bare midriff or bare feet; or wearing dirty or unkempt clothing"
Oct 21st, 2010, 01:56 PM
#386
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And you must "Refrain from wearing crash helmets in the store."
No kidding:
http://www.harrods.com/HarrodsStore/visiting/guidelines
No kidding:
http://www.harrods.com/HarrodsStore/visiting/guidelines
Oct 21st, 2010, 02:06 PM
#388
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GTG- Guess I need to start hanging out in posher laundromats
As for Christmas baubles, I've always brought back Christmas ornaments with the Harrod's logo on and the date. They WERE pretty reasonably priced. I've also brought back Christmas cards to send as the British have a different kind of humor. If I'm being honest, my favorite part of holiday London was sampling every mince tart. I know buy British mince and make my pies at home.
So Goddess-are you going to watch Bonfire Night fireworks? They used to have a big display near Primrose Hill before it became too crowded. One of my favorite memories in November. The Tube was packed, there was wall to wall people, but everyone was in such good spirits you didn't mind the cold.
Shoot, I'm starting to miss it already.
As for Christmas baubles, I've always brought back Christmas ornaments with the Harrod's logo on and the date. They WERE pretty reasonably priced. I've also brought back Christmas cards to send as the British have a different kind of humor. If I'm being honest, my favorite part of holiday London was sampling every mince tart. I know buy British mince and make my pies at home.
So Goddess-are you going to watch Bonfire Night fireworks? They used to have a big display near Primrose Hill before it became too crowded. One of my favorite memories in November. The Tube was packed, there was wall to wall people, but everyone was in such good spirits you didn't mind the cold.
Shoot, I'm starting to miss it already.
Oct 21st, 2010, 02:19 PM
#389
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We've bought our goddaughter and her brother each a Christmas ornament every year of their lives so that when they grew up, they'd take them to their own homes and trees. That's exactly what happened last year when the brother got married. I usually try to find something that relates to a special event in their year but this year they're each getting Harrod's Bear ornaments.
emily, are you talking about Guy Fawkes Day which I think is November 5? I really don't know anything about it. We were talking about a GTG that night but I think everyone felt the crowds would be too great. What should we do? Where should we go?
emily, are you talking about Guy Fawkes Day which I think is November 5? I really don't know anything about it. We were talking about a GTG that night but I think everyone felt the crowds would be too great. What should we do? Where should we go?
Oct 21st, 2010, 02:22 PM
#390
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Loving all your posts, GTG! When I do laundry, the only company I have is my elderly dog...and he is, as yet, unpublished.
We were in London last year, late November. When we arrived, (day after Thanksgiving) there were Christmas decorations everywhere and what we found so interesting was the focus on purple (rather than our red & green) in the decor. It was everywhere. At first, we were a bit put off, but by the time we left, I was in love with it. Truly, truly loved everything about London at that time of year.
This year, we are trying Paris for turkey-day. Can't wait to compare the department store windows to those we saw last year.
Keep writing! You are superb!
We were in London last year, late November. When we arrived, (day after Thanksgiving) there were Christmas decorations everywhere and what we found so interesting was the focus on purple (rather than our red & green) in the decor. It was everywhere. At first, we were a bit put off, but by the time we left, I was in love with it. Truly, truly loved everything about London at that time of year.
This year, we are trying Paris for turkey-day. Can't wait to compare the department store windows to those we saw last year.
Keep writing! You are superb!
Oct 21st, 2010, 02:38 PM
#391
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Gosh, paris -- I've been called many things in my life but superb? Oh my! And I think the 'as yet' in your sentence speaks well for your confidence in your dog's literary abilities.
I've never been to Fortnum and Mason. I'm thinking of taking my SO there one Sunday (likely to the Fountain Restaurant) for brunch. It doesn't have to be fabulous food -- it's just the experience and a reason to browse the store. Thoughts? Advice?
I've never been to Fortnum and Mason. I'm thinking of taking my SO there one Sunday (likely to the Fountain Restaurant) for brunch. It doesn't have to be fabulous food -- it's just the experience and a reason to browse the store. Thoughts? Advice?
Oct 21st, 2010, 03:09 PM
#392
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Goddess-
Yes, Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire Night is one in the same. As for going out, since it falls on a Friday, there will be crowds. Sadly, it's been 9 years since I've been to Bonfire Night so I'm sure one of our helpful Londoners will offer some advice. Really miss C_W.
You have to see F&M for the Xmas window decorations. Absolutely lovely. Also they are experts on tea and can advise the best tea for your taste.
Still hoping you start a blog as you have wonderful adventures and love to write.
"Loving all your posts, GTG! When I do laundry, the only company I have is my elderly dog...and he is, as yet, unpublished. "
If Millie, Barney and Bo can write books, your pouch isn't far behind.
Yes, Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire Night is one in the same. As for going out, since it falls on a Friday, there will be crowds. Sadly, it's been 9 years since I've been to Bonfire Night so I'm sure one of our helpful Londoners will offer some advice. Really miss C_W.
You have to see F&M for the Xmas window decorations. Absolutely lovely. Also they are experts on tea and can advise the best tea for your taste.
Still hoping you start a blog as you have wonderful adventures and love to write.
"Loving all your posts, GTG! When I do laundry, the only company I have is my elderly dog...and he is, as yet, unpublished. "
If Millie, Barney and Bo can write books, your pouch isn't far behind.
Oct 21st, 2010, 03:41 PM
#393
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GTG, while you are on the subject of pre-Christmas London, I had to chime in with another thumbs up for being there at that time of the year. It is wonderful. I spent the last 2 weeks of Nov and the first week of Dec in London one year in the early 90's and remember it fondly. I was an impoverished lad then, counting my pennies while managing a new career and a mountain of student debt and still found lots of affordable Seasonal stuff to see and do. Since you like live music, keep an ear out for all manner of concerts and recitals, often free or PWYC.
The Department store windows are truly amazing. I still have pics of the detailed displays I took of Harrods and the Selfridges flagship store. Think of the miniature museum you visited in Hamburg, but made out of foodstuff and tiny jars and bottles. Yes, do not pass on a visit to Fortnum and Mason (F&M), reknown for their Christmas Hampers. Being born and raised in an ex-Brit colony, our childhood Christmases were extra special in the years when we were lucky to receive a small wicker basket with folding lid, with 'F&M' painted on the side in large letters and containing treats, one of which was usually a Black Suffolk Ham on the bone (Gammon). Why not select a few of your favourite British munchies and ship yourself an F&M hamper back home for you to enjoy when you return ? You might like to consider a good Stilton and a choice bottle of Port (ruby or Tawny, and which wil also remind you of Portugal), and if you can find it, a good Christmas fruitcake. You'd be surprised how good a rich, moist one can be, and you are in the home of where it was created. F&M also has very nice loose lef tea packed in their distinctive breen tins which make good, light gifts.
As Christmas approaches, be on the lookout for and try a bottle of Babycham. Its a tiny bottle of sweet (or Dry) sparkling wine, not unlike Aste Spumante, with just enough per bottle to fill 2 champagne glasses shaped like one of Marie Antionette's breasts (supposedly). Both the bottle and the glasses are emblazoned with a smiling Bambi, so you'll recognise them. Its very cheap and far from cuvee, and some may scoff at the idea of letting some pass one's lips but I think its (still) quite traditional. Also, do not pass a red hot glowing brazier with chestnuts roasting atop without buying some to nibble on.
Christmas in London is like no other, and we charge you with enjoying it for us in the run up to it.
The Department store windows are truly amazing. I still have pics of the detailed displays I took of Harrods and the Selfridges flagship store. Think of the miniature museum you visited in Hamburg, but made out of foodstuff and tiny jars and bottles. Yes, do not pass on a visit to Fortnum and Mason (F&M), reknown for their Christmas Hampers. Being born and raised in an ex-Brit colony, our childhood Christmases were extra special in the years when we were lucky to receive a small wicker basket with folding lid, with 'F&M' painted on the side in large letters and containing treats, one of which was usually a Black Suffolk Ham on the bone (Gammon). Why not select a few of your favourite British munchies and ship yourself an F&M hamper back home for you to enjoy when you return ? You might like to consider a good Stilton and a choice bottle of Port (ruby or Tawny, and which wil also remind you of Portugal), and if you can find it, a good Christmas fruitcake. You'd be surprised how good a rich, moist one can be, and you are in the home of where it was created. F&M also has very nice loose lef tea packed in their distinctive breen tins which make good, light gifts.
As Christmas approaches, be on the lookout for and try a bottle of Babycham. Its a tiny bottle of sweet (or Dry) sparkling wine, not unlike Aste Spumante, with just enough per bottle to fill 2 champagne glasses shaped like one of Marie Antionette's breasts (supposedly). Both the bottle and the glasses are emblazoned with a smiling Bambi, so you'll recognise them. Its very cheap and far from cuvee, and some may scoff at the idea of letting some pass one's lips but I think its (still) quite traditional. Also, do not pass a red hot glowing brazier with chestnuts roasting atop without buying some to nibble on.
Christmas in London is like no other, and we charge you with enjoying it for us in the run up to it.
Oct 21st, 2010, 06:24 PM
#397
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I got so excited about a possible in flight GTG that I bypassed Mathieu's notes. I wonder how long it would take for an F&M shipment to get home. It would make great Christmas gifts....I told you it is all about Christmas with me.
I forgot about fruitcake!! I will bet I could find a really good one there. Not the kind that your Great Aunt Edith gave your parents every year, but the really good kind with golden raisins and filbert nuts.
I don't think my mere 11 days are going to be enough.
I forgot about fruitcake!! I will bet I could find a really good one there. Not the kind that your Great Aunt Edith gave your parents every year, but the really good kind with golden raisins and filbert nuts.
I don't think my mere 11 days are going to be enough.
Oct 21st, 2010, 07:01 PM
#398
mathieu: Just a hint -- if you are either copy/pasting from word or writing directly into the text box - you need to double return. Single return ends up w/ the run-on paragraphs like in your post.
GtG: You MUST go to F&M. It is absolutely mandatory over the holidays
GtG: You MUST go to F&M. It is absolutely mandatory over the holidays
Oct 21st, 2010, 07:07 PM
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Absolutely go to F&M!! You can spend hours on each floor!! My husband spent hours (perhaps slightly less) discussing the merits of single malt scotch with the gents in the store. There is definitely something for everyone there.
Oct 21st, 2010, 07:14 PM
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Regarding fruitcake, if you just want to try a slice, the Tea for Two selection at a Richoux Tea Shop has slices of it in addition to the tea, little sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream and jam. In addition, for the finale you get to go to their glass pastry case and select whatever goody you want. I really, really want another trip to London!
