London 2012, On A Mission
Aug 10th, 2012, 02:53 PM
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London 2012, On A Mission
I arrive at my hotel, San Simeon, too early to check in but receive some encouraging news. I am told by the check-in clerk that everyday some guests have gotten up early to go to Olympic Park and have been lucky to get tickets to various venues.
With bags secured, it is back to “The Tube”. About 40 minutes later I am exiting Stratford Station like a cow going on a cattle drive. However, I feel like I am in good company as I am sure there are a few other cows like myself looking to graze the same pasture.
The area around Olympic Park is a little more crowded than expected and that makes my mission a bit more challenging. I cruise through the Westfield Mall, up and down escalators, in and outside of doors, just looking at my dream destination but not being able to get there.
Where are the entrepreneurs that often makes this mission a breeze for me in other cities at similar venues?
With no luck so far, it's time to do some real grazing and I head to a grocery store located on the lower floor of the mall. A wide selection of nicely packaged sandwiches, salads along with other foods and my eyes begin to grow. This is before I get my normal British fix of scones, “biscuits” and chocolate covered “digestives”.
Turn outs this location is a favorite for those wanting an inexpensive meal with fine dining done on the floor just outside the main door. In chatting with another cement floor diner, I discover another tip to accomplishing my mission although I am presently missing the tools required to carry it out. However, this still lifts my spirits.
I rejoin the herd this time headed to Buckingham Palace for a possible afternoon tea with “The Queen”. Although the area around Buckingham is nicely decorated in Olympic flair, the palace itself retains it's sense of royalty as it “properly” should.
I know that the only way I am going to get in is if I can get the guard's attention to show him my fine collection of American tea's that I have brought to share with Her Majesty. I can imagine nothing more royally pleasing than a tall Long Island Ice Tea on a hot afternoon like this or a nice cold glass of the Southern Sweet Tea.
Try as I might, I cannot even get the guard to blink. Like a Toy Soldier, he just looks at me with a blank stare. Guess, I am going to have to drink my Long Island Ice Tea all by myself.
Video:http://youtu.be/QnBdnylQ1Ag
With bags secured, it is back to “The Tube”. About 40 minutes later I am exiting Stratford Station like a cow going on a cattle drive. However, I feel like I am in good company as I am sure there are a few other cows like myself looking to graze the same pasture.
The area around Olympic Park is a little more crowded than expected and that makes my mission a bit more challenging. I cruise through the Westfield Mall, up and down escalators, in and outside of doors, just looking at my dream destination but not being able to get there.
Where are the entrepreneurs that often makes this mission a breeze for me in other cities at similar venues?
With no luck so far, it's time to do some real grazing and I head to a grocery store located on the lower floor of the mall. A wide selection of nicely packaged sandwiches, salads along with other foods and my eyes begin to grow. This is before I get my normal British fix of scones, “biscuits” and chocolate covered “digestives”.
Turn outs this location is a favorite for those wanting an inexpensive meal with fine dining done on the floor just outside the main door. In chatting with another cement floor diner, I discover another tip to accomplishing my mission although I am presently missing the tools required to carry it out. However, this still lifts my spirits.
I rejoin the herd this time headed to Buckingham Palace for a possible afternoon tea with “The Queen”. Although the area around Buckingham is nicely decorated in Olympic flair, the palace itself retains it's sense of royalty as it “properly” should.
I know that the only way I am going to get in is if I can get the guard's attention to show him my fine collection of American tea's that I have brought to share with Her Majesty. I can imagine nothing more royally pleasing than a tall Long Island Ice Tea on a hot afternoon like this or a nice cold glass of the Southern Sweet Tea.
Try as I might, I cannot even get the guard to blink. Like a Toy Soldier, he just looks at me with a blank stare. Guess, I am going to have to drink my Long Island Ice Tea all by myself.
Video:http://youtu.be/QnBdnylQ1Ag
Aug 11th, 2012, 04:01 AM
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Enjoying London 2012
The day takes an exciting turn as I can hear and feel the energy of The Olympic Games within touching distance. Minutes later, I am entering the grounds of “BT London Live”. BT London Live is a free venue located at Hyde Park that turns out to be a lot of fun. With huge television screens at different locations broadcasting different Olympic events it is almost the best of both worlds. I can enjoy more than one event at a time, with the excitement of different audiences, all for free while maybe a concert is going on in the background.
Watching Men's then Women's Volleyball, I discover one important and fun thing that is missing when watching the games on an American network, the lively and entertaining British commentary. With references to school masters and words like “squared up” and “squeeze out” just listening to the action turns out to be very entertaining.
A light rain begins to fall but it does not last too long and open umbrellas quickly fold. Although the day has been beautiful the evening air begins to take on a chill. Something I gather most of the locals prefer instead of the recent blast of summer heat.
It is not too long a walk from Hyde Park to San Simeon Hotel and the weather makes it a pleasant journey. I am surprised to still find “Red Telephone” booths along the streets and decide to be a pretend customer. In the age of cellphones, I don't imagine they do a brisk business.
I do know one place in London that does well in business, Harrods. Fortunately, they were in the process of closing for the evening as I make my brief visit. I think I saved myself a few quid with my impeccable time. However, I think Her Majesty may favor some American Red Cherries, that I might just spring 40 quid or so for a kilo if only I could get one or two of her guards to wink at me.
Now I have heard about a “hot head” and I have heard about “tooting your own horn” but I never imagined I would come across a hot head tooting his own horn. However, just outside of Kensington South Underground, I do.
Video:http:http://youtu.be/qUvqX_70DQY
The day takes an exciting turn as I can hear and feel the energy of The Olympic Games within touching distance. Minutes later, I am entering the grounds of “BT London Live”. BT London Live is a free venue located at Hyde Park that turns out to be a lot of fun. With huge television screens at different locations broadcasting different Olympic events it is almost the best of both worlds. I can enjoy more than one event at a time, with the excitement of different audiences, all for free while maybe a concert is going on in the background.
Watching Men's then Women's Volleyball, I discover one important and fun thing that is missing when watching the games on an American network, the lively and entertaining British commentary. With references to school masters and words like “squared up” and “squeeze out” just listening to the action turns out to be very entertaining.
A light rain begins to fall but it does not last too long and open umbrellas quickly fold. Although the day has been beautiful the evening air begins to take on a chill. Something I gather most of the locals prefer instead of the recent blast of summer heat.
It is not too long a walk from Hyde Park to San Simeon Hotel and the weather makes it a pleasant journey. I am surprised to still find “Red Telephone” booths along the streets and decide to be a pretend customer. In the age of cellphones, I don't imagine they do a brisk business.
I do know one place in London that does well in business, Harrods. Fortunately, they were in the process of closing for the evening as I make my brief visit. I think I saved myself a few quid with my impeccable time. However, I think Her Majesty may favor some American Red Cherries, that I might just spring 40 quid or so for a kilo if only I could get one or two of her guards to wink at me.
Now I have heard about a “hot head” and I have heard about “tooting your own horn” but I never imagined I would come across a hot head tooting his own horn. However, just outside of Kensington South Underground, I do.
Video:http:http://youtu.be/qUvqX_70DQY
Aug 11th, 2012, 04:12 AM
#3
Like the Daily Mail said, I name you "Dobbie the Turtle"
Actually, this is a much better write up than the confused meanderings of version 1 and 2. Keep it up, but don't bother the palace guards as they are only doing their job.
Actually, this is a much better write up than the confused meanderings of version 1 and 2. Keep it up, but don't bother the palace guards as they are only doing their job.
Aug 13th, 2012, 01:50 PM
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cferrb...so, are you classifying me as a Fodor purist? That's a laugh...do you recall I was one of the frequent, interested contributors to your major post on L.A. eating. Hardly a purist. I think I have a right to like or dslike this guy's writing, which I find self-seving and most annoying. He's a blog promoter, if nothing else...and funny as a broken leg.
and furthermore....
and furthermore....
Aug 13th, 2012, 04:36 PM
#11
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Tower,
Let the chips fall where they may... Purists don't have to defend their actions or positions
I certainly agree that you have the right to like or dislike anything that you choose, however it amazes me that people that dislike something keep coming back for more.
I think there is a syndrome associated with this type of behavior and I think those types of people need help
Soon you might find yourself in a shelter or Stockholm
Let the chips fall where they may... Purists don't have to defend their actions or positions
I certainly agree that you have the right to like or dislike anything that you choose, however it amazes me that people that dislike something keep coming back for more.
I think there is a syndrome associated with this type of behavior and I think those types of people need help
Soon you might find yourself in a shelter or Stockholm
Aug 13th, 2012, 05:47 PM
#12
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So now you've added shrink to you questioable resume'...thanks for the diagnosis...at 83, I don't choose to pay any attention to it. ..and choose to avoid any further posts with your name on it. You are a disgrace to whatever Fodors stands for. I suppose blog peddlers are a new breed of disgusting low lifes...aluminum siding, anyone?
Aug 13th, 2012, 08:24 PM
#15
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Aduchamp1,
When you get your great art or literary works published can you please send me a link so I can "Like" you on Facebook.
Thanks for reading my many self-delusion posts which I think you really like. For sure these imperfect works of literature and art make your day worthwhile
When you get your great art or literary works published can you please send me a link so I can "Like" you on Facebook.
Thanks for reading my many self-delusion posts which I think you really like. For sure these imperfect works of literature and art make your day worthwhile
Aug 13th, 2012, 08:46 PM
#16
"This is the visual equivalent of someone who thinks they are next American Idol and can't hit a note and their fly is open."
OK, so much for the has-been judges on that program, now how about the contestants?
OK, so much for the has-been judges on that program, now how about the contestants?
Aug 14th, 2012, 06:45 AM
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HT
What did you do with the money? The money your momma gave you for singing lessons
Stay focused on the issues. Answer the challenges I made to your assertions that have been proved wrong, again.
However, I am glad to see you keep coming back to read a "useless thread".
Aren't you glad there is something that makes your day worthwhile?
You keep coming back and I think I might just "Like" you on Facebook
What did you do with the money? The money your momma gave you for singing lessons
Stay focused on the issues. Answer the challenges I made to your assertions that have been proved wrong, again.
However, I am glad to see you keep coming back to read a "useless thread".
Aren't you glad there is something that makes your day worthwhile?
You keep coming back and I think I might just "Like" you on Facebook
