Seetheworld's Trip Report: Highlights of London & Portugal - Including One very HOT day in Seville, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Cambridge, and a Bout with Homesickness
Jul 26th, 2006, 05:26 PM
#21
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Thanks for your kind words. I hope to be able to post more tomorrow. It was such a great trip.noe, we haven't "paid" for hotel accomodations for a very long time. Using Amex points has covered our hotel quite nicely in the past. Everytime I'm ready to complain about my DH's business travel, I remind myself of this perk, lol.
Jul 27th, 2006, 04:19 AM
#22
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<b>DAY TWO….</b>
<b>BREAKFAST </b>(a bit late in the morning and held us over ‘til dinner. I did mention that we had late starts to the day, didn't I?
)
We’re not big breakfast eaters, so we headed a couple of blocks on Piccadilly to a French pastry shop. The coffee was very strong, but the chamomile tea was perfect. We picked up a couple of raisin buns and ate them in our room.
<b>THE BRITISH MUSEUM</b>
Holburn Station Tube
During the planning stages of our trip, I posed the question about London museums…“If you had to pick only one to visit…” and received a variety of response from Fodorites. Initially I thought we would end up doing the “Trifecta”, but in actuality we ended up at the British Museum. Wow, what a fabulous space!
We spent most of our time viewing the collections in Egypt, Greece, and the Americas. I was in awe of the Rosetta Stone (and picked up a 1000 piece puzzle in the gift shop so that I could drive the oldest son insane whilst trying to put it together). We also spent time in the Reading Room – Saying that I am naturally drawn to the social sciences is an understatement, I found the collection immediately (a bit of a bore for my DH, but he indulges me). A few hours at this museum can never do it justice.
In July, as an added bonus (and I mean this in a good way), many school children were visiting the museum – they added to the excitement (and memories of my own children when young) as they ran about.
<b>BREAKFAST </b>(a bit late in the morning and held us over ‘til dinner. I did mention that we had late starts to the day, didn't I?
)We’re not big breakfast eaters, so we headed a couple of blocks on Piccadilly to a French pastry shop. The coffee was very strong, but the chamomile tea was perfect. We picked up a couple of raisin buns and ate them in our room.
<b>THE BRITISH MUSEUM</b>
Holburn Station Tube
During the planning stages of our trip, I posed the question about London museums…“If you had to pick only one to visit…” and received a variety of response from Fodorites. Initially I thought we would end up doing the “Trifecta”, but in actuality we ended up at the British Museum. Wow, what a fabulous space!
We spent most of our time viewing the collections in Egypt, Greece, and the Americas. I was in awe of the Rosetta Stone (and picked up a 1000 piece puzzle in the gift shop so that I could drive the oldest son insane whilst trying to put it together). We also spent time in the Reading Room – Saying that I am naturally drawn to the social sciences is an understatement, I found the collection immediately (a bit of a bore for my DH, but he indulges me). A few hours at this museum can never do it justice.
In July, as an added bonus (and I mean this in a good way), many school children were visiting the museum – they added to the excitement (and memories of my own children when young) as they ran about.
Jul 27th, 2006, 04:30 AM
#23
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<b>DAY TWO CONTINUED...(sorry, had to break it up to fit)</b>
<b>WINE BAR </b>
(I don’t know where this was located)
We met up with our S&BIL before we headed to the theatre. Reunions are so nice, aren’t they? We popped in to this Wine bar - There must be more to the name of this place, although I did not pay close attention as we walked in. I think my BIL mentioned that it was part of a chain, not really certain at this point. But the bar was located close to the Victoria Palace Theatre, so we stepped in for pre-dinner drinks. Well, no one had wine…the fellows had beer and we gals had Pimms – one must always pace themselves when hot and thirsty since you never feel a Pimms until you stand up!
The place was packed and very smoky (I’m glad we didn’t eat there) – I tried to hold my breath the entire time, lol. I understand that a no-smoking ban will soon be in effect (good).
<b>THE SPAGHETTI HOUSE </b>(chain)
Bressenden Place
This is a very casual place to eat. When we were seated it was early and rather empty, but as we left it was filled. The food (more beer and wine) was decent and tasty and the conversation was delightful. My BIL gave us a synopsis of the time and setting in which the play Billy Elliot took place – we would later find that discussion to be very helpful. We parted ways and headed to the theatre…
<b>BILLY ELLIOT</b> – Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Station Tube
I ordered tickets online and had them mailed to us back in the states. We were lucky to get great seats in the Stalls (orchestra). We both loved this play; it was entertaining and touching. The children were especially talented. There was quite a bit of language -- I will say that when the British use the “F” word, it sounds so much more dignified! My BIL kept telling us during dinner that we would cry. I did, twice.
I recall reading something about whether this play should move to Broadway. It is a British story, so an understanding of the era in which it takes place (as well as English slang/vocabulary) is really a necessary prerequisite for full enjoyment, IMO. I would be surprised to see this show move to the U.S. But if it did, I would highly recommend it!
Some may not be aware, but you must purchase your 'playbill' in London theatres. They are really more like full-size magazines. Also, and this was very surprising, people eat during the show as if they are watching television.
In fact, during intermission, they sell ice cream to bring back to your seat. All empty wrappers and cups are left on the floor as we do at the ballpark back in the states. Since this was my fist time in London theatre, I’m not certain if this is typical or just a very sloppy crowd.
<b>RIVOLI BAR</b> – Ritz London
The bar closes at 1am for hotel guests
After the show, we rode the Tube back to Green Park and headed to the Rivoli Bar. Yes it’s true that there is a strict dress code in order to gain access beyond the lobby and through the golden doors, lol. Not to worry, we were prepared. The bar is quite lovely and relaxing; however the bartender was quite “dry”. Since I had reached my “limit”, I had a couple delightfully tart citrus spritzers which the bartender recommended and my husband had a couple more beers. A great assortment of nuts (with loads of pistachios) and crisps were nibbled on. I really had a craving for chocolate cake, but the kitchen was only available for room service. In all the years I have known my husband, I have never seen him have 4 beers in one evening. He must have really wanted to be on vacation fast…we closed the bar and I hoisted my DH over my shoulder and carried him back to the room to have my way with him…
<b>WINE BAR </b>
(I don’t know where this was located)
We met up with our S&BIL before we headed to the theatre. Reunions are so nice, aren’t they? We popped in to this Wine bar - There must be more to the name of this place, although I did not pay close attention as we walked in. I think my BIL mentioned that it was part of a chain, not really certain at this point. But the bar was located close to the Victoria Palace Theatre, so we stepped in for pre-dinner drinks. Well, no one had wine…the fellows had beer and we gals had Pimms – one must always pace themselves when hot and thirsty since you never feel a Pimms until you stand up!
The place was packed and very smoky (I’m glad we didn’t eat there) – I tried to hold my breath the entire time, lol. I understand that a no-smoking ban will soon be in effect (good).<b>THE SPAGHETTI HOUSE </b>(chain)
Bressenden Place
This is a very casual place to eat. When we were seated it was early and rather empty, but as we left it was filled. The food (more beer and wine) was decent and tasty and the conversation was delightful. My BIL gave us a synopsis of the time and setting in which the play Billy Elliot took place – we would later find that discussion to be very helpful. We parted ways and headed to the theatre…
<b>BILLY ELLIOT</b> – Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Station Tube
I ordered tickets online and had them mailed to us back in the states. We were lucky to get great seats in the Stalls (orchestra). We both loved this play; it was entertaining and touching. The children were especially talented. There was quite a bit of language -- I will say that when the British use the “F” word, it sounds so much more dignified! My BIL kept telling us during dinner that we would cry. I did, twice.
I recall reading something about whether this play should move to Broadway. It is a British story, so an understanding of the era in which it takes place (as well as English slang/vocabulary) is really a necessary prerequisite for full enjoyment, IMO. I would be surprised to see this show move to the U.S. But if it did, I would highly recommend it!
Some may not be aware, but you must purchase your 'playbill' in London theatres. They are really more like full-size magazines. Also, and this was very surprising, people eat during the show as if they are watching television.
In fact, during intermission, they sell ice cream to bring back to your seat. All empty wrappers and cups are left on the floor as we do at the ballpark back in the states. Since this was my fist time in London theatre, I’m not certain if this is typical or just a very sloppy crowd. <b>RIVOLI BAR</b> – Ritz London
The bar closes at 1am for hotel guests
After the show, we rode the Tube back to Green Park and headed to the Rivoli Bar. Yes it’s true that there is a strict dress code in order to gain access beyond the lobby and through the golden doors, lol. Not to worry, we were prepared. The bar is quite lovely and relaxing; however the bartender was quite “dry”. Since I had reached my “limit”, I had a couple delightfully tart citrus spritzers which the bartender recommended and my husband had a couple more beers. A great assortment of nuts (with loads of pistachios) and crisps were nibbled on. I really had a craving for chocolate cake, but the kitchen was only available for room service. In all the years I have known my husband, I have never seen him have 4 beers in one evening. He must have really wanted to be on vacation fast…we closed the bar and I hoisted my DH over my shoulder and carried him back to the room to have my way with him…
Jul 27th, 2006, 11:17 AM
#25
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<b>DAY THREE</b>…Another delightful day weather-wise…blue skies and hot, perfect for a river cruise…It is on this day that I am beginning to think that not moving my watch ahead was a very big mistake. 
<b>THAMES RIVER CRUISE TO GREENWICH</b>
Departs at Westminster (single or return) to Greenwich Pier
Single trip 7£ per ticket from City Cruises
We purchased tickets for the noon trip and immediately
queued up to board and embark on our cruise to Greenwich to visit the grounds of the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian. We decided, thanks to the good folks on Fodors, to only take the boat one way and return using the Docklands Light Railway. Seemed simple enough.
Once settled on the boat, we headed to the pier near the London Eye to pick up more passengers. We seemed to be sitting there a very long time, when finally the captain came on to tell us the river was closed! <i>Huh?! </i> Yes, closed. It seems that there was a <b><i>scull race</i></b> on the river. The captain lied when he said we would only be waiting 10 minutes! :-? My DH was annoyed…he felt that there is no way that this could have been just an abrupt closure of the river – he swore the cruise operator must have known it was going to happen. In a way I could see his point, we would have taken a later boat and continued touring. Truthfully, I was tired and didn’t mind sitting on the boat – but we did sit for an hour, just waiting.
Finally!! The first scull approached! Along side of the oarsman was a motorboat filled with people dressed in all their finery and an Admiral (or someone dress like an Admiral) standing very stoic. It was truly a sight to behold, lol. Then quickly, the second scull, followed by his entourage of similarly clad folks. Lastly, after a bit of a wait (well, let’s just call it for what it really was…a <i>loooong</i> wait), the third and final scull came into sight…he was waaaay back, poor chap! I don’t know why, but this poor fellow only had a couple of people (wearing shorts) in a rubber raft…a dingy. I immediately felt the need to cheer on this underdog and I whooped it up for him. =D> Heck, I wanted him to finish so we could get on our way!
The cruise itself was pleasant enough. It was a great opportunity to take photos, particularly of the London and Tower Bridges. The skyline of Canary Wharf and the Gherkin were interesting. Near the end of our river journey, there was a ship docked with a helicopter on board. Apparently the Queen, (her flag was hoisted) earlier that morning, was making a speech at the Royal Observatory.
So, here we are at Greenwich…it was packed, which was sort of a surprise. I failed to mention that we did not eat breakfast and we were both now very hungry…and cranky (Mr. STW really did not like the boat trip)….so we searched for a spot to eat.
...
...
<b>THAMES RIVER CRUISE TO GREENWICH</b>
Departs at Westminster (single or return) to Greenwich Pier
Single trip 7£ per ticket from City Cruises
We purchased tickets for the noon trip and immediately
queued up to board and embark on our cruise to Greenwich to visit the grounds of the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian. We decided, thanks to the good folks on Fodors, to only take the boat one way and return using the Docklands Light Railway. Seemed simple enough.
Once settled on the boat, we headed to the pier near the London Eye to pick up more passengers. We seemed to be sitting there a very long time, when finally the captain came on to tell us the river was closed! <i>Huh?! </i> Yes, closed. It seems that there was a <b><i>scull race</i></b> on the river. The captain lied when he said we would only be waiting 10 minutes! :-? My DH was annoyed…he felt that there is no way that this could have been just an abrupt closure of the river – he swore the cruise operator must have known it was going to happen. In a way I could see his point, we would have taken a later boat and continued touring. Truthfully, I was tired and didn’t mind sitting on the boat – but we did sit for an hour, just waiting.
Finally!! The first scull approached! Along side of the oarsman was a motorboat filled with people dressed in all their finery and an Admiral (or someone dress like an Admiral) standing very stoic. It was truly a sight to behold, lol. Then quickly, the second scull, followed by his entourage of similarly clad folks. Lastly, after a bit of a wait (well, let’s just call it for what it really was…a <i>loooong</i> wait), the third and final scull came into sight…he was waaaay back, poor chap! I don’t know why, but this poor fellow only had a couple of people (wearing shorts) in a rubber raft…a dingy. I immediately felt the need to cheer on this underdog and I whooped it up for him. =D> Heck, I wanted him to finish so we could get on our way!
The cruise itself was pleasant enough. It was a great opportunity to take photos, particularly of the London and Tower Bridges. The skyline of Canary Wharf and the Gherkin were interesting. Near the end of our river journey, there was a ship docked with a helicopter on board. Apparently the Queen, (her flag was hoisted) earlier that morning, was making a speech at the Royal Observatory.
So, here we are at Greenwich…it was packed, which was sort of a surprise. I failed to mention that we did not eat breakfast and we were both now very hungry…and cranky (Mr. STW really did not like the boat trip)….so we searched for a spot to eat.
......
Jul 27th, 2006, 11:29 AM
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<b>THE BIGGIEST RIP-OFF OF OUR ENTIRE TRIP…</b>
Green Village Restaurant (Greenwich)
This is definitely one of those “avoid at all costs” places…only wish I knew it before we sat down and ordered.
Actually, it wasn’t our first stop. We seated ourselves at a decent looking pub, only to find out that there was only 1 cook and 15 people ahead of us, just to place their orders (estimated time 45 minutes until someone could TAKE our order)…so we moved on, ugh. Is Greenwich always this crowded?
Anyway, the sign on the window of Green Village said “authentic pub food” – a term that was used very loosely indeed.
I’ll cut to the chase, since there is nothing to really say about this place other than “Don’t go!” – the fish and chips were not fit to feed my cat
(well I don’t have a cat), but you get the picture. The bottled sparkling water cost more than the water at Gordon Ramsay – says tourist trap, no? The real kicker was the self-imposed 20% tip (seating charge that was nowhere to be found on the menu). Laughable, but we paid and left.
On this particular day, large tour groups were visiting the Prime Meridian. One person in each group required the other nineteen from the group to snap their picture. Waiting in a “line” was useless. So for us, trying to take pictures of each other was like a game of “Frogger” gone bad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogger). We jumped in and then high-tailed it out of there, lol.
The park and grounds were lovely and the view, overlooking Canary Wharf as well as the Thames, were incredible. But we had had enough so we made our way back to the hotel.
<i>Next, our dining experience at Gordon Ramsay’s…</i>
Green Village Restaurant (Greenwich)
This is definitely one of those “avoid at all costs” places…only wish I knew it before we sat down and ordered.
Actually, it wasn’t our first stop. We seated ourselves at a decent looking pub, only to find out that there was only 1 cook and 15 people ahead of us, just to place their orders (estimated time 45 minutes until someone could TAKE our order)…so we moved on, ugh. Is Greenwich always this crowded?
Anyway, the sign on the window of Green Village said “authentic pub food” – a term that was used very loosely indeed.
I’ll cut to the chase, since there is nothing to really say about this place other than “Don’t go!” – the fish and chips were not fit to feed my cat
(well I don’t have a cat), but you get the picture. The bottled sparkling water cost more than the water at Gordon Ramsay – says tourist trap, no? The real kicker was the self-imposed 20% tip (seating charge that was nowhere to be found on the menu). Laughable, but we paid and left. On this particular day, large tour groups were visiting the Prime Meridian. One person in each group required the other nineteen from the group to snap their picture. Waiting in a “line” was useless. So for us, trying to take pictures of each other was like a game of “Frogger” gone bad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogger). We jumped in and then high-tailed it out of there, lol.
The park and grounds were lovely and the view, overlooking Canary Wharf as well as the Thames, were incredible. But we had had enough so we made our way back to the hotel.
<i>Next, our dining experience at Gordon Ramsay’s…</i>
Jul 28th, 2006, 02:32 PM
#31
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Gee whiz, you'd think you guys were paying me or something! 
Actually my DH and I were having an interesting dicussion about our dining experience at Gordon Ramsay -- let's say a difference of opinion.
Will post more soon...
Actually my DH and I were having an interesting dicussion about our dining experience at Gordon Ramsay -- let's say a difference of opinion.
Will post more soon...
Aug 1st, 2006, 05:40 AM
#33
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Well, I took a break from writing to try and upload some of my pictures.
Since this process is new to me, it's taking a bit of time, lol. Anyway, here's the link to my "Worldisround" page with photos of the Ritz London.
http://tinyurl.com/qdmrl
If you check them out, please let me know if the link works. Thanks!
OSB, compliments are always nice, but money buys the beer, LOL. 
Since this process is new to me, it's taking a bit of time, lol. Anyway, here's the link to my "Worldisround" page with photos of the Ritz London.
http://tinyurl.com/qdmrl
If you check them out, please let me know if the link works. Thanks!
OSB, compliments are always nice, but money buys the beer, LOL.
Aug 1st, 2006, 10:42 AM
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Lovely photos indeed STW! I would have dived into that beautiful bed and not come out of it until the next morning.
BTW, the chairs in the room..I have the exact same chair..made in Florence. Exactly the same STW except for the upholstery. Now isn't that an interesting fact, LOL.
People eating in the theater during the play..how odd. Hope Neo or someone can tell us if this is typical.
I can hardly wait for the next installment, love your style of writing, your report is very entertaining.
BTW, the chairs in the room..I have the exact same chair..made in Florence. Exactly the same STW except for the upholstery. Now isn't that an interesting fact, LOL.
People eating in the theater during the play..how odd. Hope Neo or someone can tell us if this is typical.
I can hardly wait for the next installment, love your style of writing, your report is very entertaining.
Aug 1st, 2006, 11:28 AM
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"this was very surprising, people eat during the show as if they are watching television"
Why wouldn't they? Actually, I've never seen anyone in the Theatre Royal eating a reheated pizza (though I've grabbed a falaffel in pita or an M+S chicken wrap and guzzled it in theatres reasonably often if that's what the evening timetable dictated). But why on earth are you surprised?
They're theatres, for heaven's sake. Not churches.
Why wouldn't they? Actually, I've never seen anyone in the Theatre Royal eating a reheated pizza (though I've grabbed a falaffel in pita or an M+S chicken wrap and guzzled it in theatres reasonably often if that's what the evening timetable dictated). But why on earth are you surprised?
They're theatres, for heaven's sake. Not churches.
Aug 1st, 2006, 02:50 PM
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LOL, Caph!
Tiff, it was a very calming room. I enjoyed it immensely.
LoveItaly, yes, that is interesting. There was also a very comfy chair and table next to the bar, but that picture didn't turn out well (too dark). But the seating was generous and enjoyable.
Tiff, it was a very calming room. I enjoyed it immensely.
LoveItaly, yes, that is interesting. There was also a very comfy chair and table next to the bar, but that picture didn't turn out well (too dark). But the seating was generous and enjoyable.
Aug 1st, 2006, 02:55 PM
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flanneruk:
As Chele60 so correctly stated, eating and drinking in the U.S. theatre is prohibited. In fact, there have been several threads on the U.S. forum complaining of the eating that takes at the theatre, particularly candy wrapper noises, etc. So I was surprised!
I had a chat with one of my sons, who has been to London theatre, and he jokingly thought that one must pay for the playbill so that there is additional revenue to clean the place after every performance. Maybe there is some truth to that...
As Chele60 so correctly stated, eating and drinking in the U.S. theatre is prohibited. In fact, there have been several threads on the U.S. forum complaining of the eating that takes at the theatre, particularly candy wrapper noises, etc. So I was surprised!
I had a chat with one of my sons, who has been to London theatre, and he jokingly thought that one must pay for the playbill so that there is additional revenue to clean the place after every performance. Maybe there is some truth to that...
