Love your report Kayb95. Sitting in the choir for evensong makes it even more special.

I've spent a fair amount of time in Highgate (from time to time a friend used to loan me her flat not too far from the Highgate tube station). It seems EVERYTHING in Highgate is up a very steep hill. You'd think it would come out even since one would eventually have to walk back downhill - but it never seems to work out that way . . . . . . .

Kay- I just looked at your pictures, they really came out great! I'm hoping to get mine posted by the weekend.

As Janis said, the Orangery is definitely somewhere you could go alone and not feel out of place. It's a lot more casual than the hotel teas.

And Paris, especially if you've been there, would be doable on your own. We only did the escorted tour because it was our first time, we don't speak any French and since it was a short-notice trip, we didn't have the time to research doing it on our own. The tour was just easier to get our feet wet. We will definitely be back to explore further on our own. :)

Kayb,

Thanks for your report! Any chance you can tell us the address of the different restaurants you ate in, especially Il Forno and the Four Regions restaurant?

Il Fornello is at 150 Southampton Row in Bloomsbury. The closest tube stop is Russell Square. It's just a little ways past the Russell Hotel - same side of the street. (<b>www.london-eating.co.uk/3403.htm</b>)

The Four Regions is in the County Hall Building - closest tube stop would be Westminster. Just cross Westminster Bridge and the County Hall building is right there. Waterloo is also close - but not as pretty a walk. :)

Kay...thanks again for you trip report. I loved all of your pictures! I love London sooooooooo much and I told m husband we have to go back soon and also do the day trip to Paris. I'm glad you and mother were able to enjoy the trip together. My husband enjoyed your pictures also.

Kay - Thanks for the wonderful, and so-detailed, report! I'm sitting here scribbling notes for our journey later this summer. Especially appreciated the details and prices on restaurants.

If your Mom has a hip replacement, I'm thinking she has to be someplace past 60?? And yet - Wow! - you guys kept up such a busy pace, I got wore out just reading! Thanks again.

<i>&quot;If your Mom has a hip replacement, I'm thinking she has to be someplace past 60?? And yet - Wow! - you guys kept up such a busy pace, I got wore out just reading!&quot;</i>

LOL - and we've slowed down the pace considerably since we've been to London several times. Mom had her hip replacement when she was 57 back in 1999. She'll be 64 in April and gets around pretty well. :)

I just loved reading your trip report! Thanks for providing all the wonderful details of each day, including the restaurants and the various foods you tried. I'm glad you and your mother had such a lovely time.

I'm heading to England this month with my 9-year-old son and considered the day trip to Paris. The idea of the escorted tour would be perfect for us. Did you book it in London or prior to your trip? Do you remember what Golden Tours charged?

My mother and I saw the Mousetrap together on a trip 20 years ago. I'd love to take my son but I was wondering if it is appropriate for a 9 year-old?

Thanks for your help.

I

Here's the website for the Golden Tours Paris trips: <b>www.goldentours.com/tours.php?6</b>

We took the Paris Splendor trip and booked it online before we left home.

I would think Mousetrap would be appropriate for a 9-year-old. I don't remember there being anything too risque. Nothing he wouldn't see by watching an episode of &quot;Murder She Wrote.&quot; :)

I just saw Mousetrap with my 13-year-old daughter. It's definitely appropriate for a 9-year-old as well. There might be a few instances of VERY mild profanity, but that's about it.