I promised to tell all about the recent visit, so here it goes. It was fantastic. The end. LOL!
No, just kidding.
We started off by spending a couple of nights in London. We picked a hotel we’d read a lot about called the Chancery Court. It was a fabulous place that put on a breakfast that could’ve been shared by five. (And people say the British give small portions. Rolling eyes.) Contrary to what you might have heard, the food in the UK is not bad. As a matter of fact, I’ve had some of the best meals of my life in the UK. I’m guessing the folks who go on group tours are less fortunate. The big thing to remember is that bacon is not the kind of bacon we are accustomed to here in the states, so don’t ask for streaky bacon. (That’s what they call ‘our’ kind of bacon.) And don’t complain when the bacon they do bring you is full of meat instead of fat. 
After fueling up, we were off to do some sightseeing. We headed to the London Eye (A huge ferris wheel sort of thing that gives you magnificent views of London.). Took some amazing pictures of Big Ben, which I’ll post soon. The weather seemed to be on our side while in London since it misted only once and the temps were pretty warm considering it was December.
We also managed to get to the British Museum before it closed. They have an amazing Egyptian artifact display, which includes the Rosetta stone. They also hosted quite a bit of art from the Parthenon. My favorite section of the museum was the reading room. Imagine, if you will, a circular room whose walls are covered from floor to ceiling in bookshelves housing volumes upon volumes of ancient tomes. It was like viewing heaven on earth for me. Sigh. I want one of those rooms.
The next day we walked to Tower Bridge and went through the Tower of London. The crown jewels were quite impressive. It’s always strange to me when you look at something you know is real, but doesn’t look it. I had this sensation while viewing a diamond the size of a tennis ball. The Tower is actually larger than it looks. It consists of many buildings, not just one. I didn’t realize that until I got inside. The armor was amazing. They have some dating back to the 1700’s, which had been worn by king’s. Truly boggles the mind at times to stare at history like that. I could almost see the man inside the suit. I kind of picture his face pinched with pain since that stuff didn’t really give all that much. I recommend seeing it if you ever venture across the pond.
Because I’m truly warped, we also went through the London Dungeon. This tour shows you just how vicious people back in the day were…unfortunately, not much has changed except the method. I did dig the fact they had a sign above a section of the tour that said “Wicked Women”. Yes, I did get a picture, but it’s too dark to show it. :-/
We spent the evening walking through Covent Gardens. This is my favorite place in London. There are street performers and lots of lovely shops dotting the area. I just love the vibe. We also strolled through Trafalgar Square. Tons of people were hanging out by the fountain. It gives you a really good idea of the energy London emits. It’s such an international town. We found a chippy (fish and chips shop) for dinner and then headed back to the hotel.
The next day we went past Buckingham Palace and walked through St. James Park and then along Green Park to Jermyn Street. (My second favorite spot in London.) This is where highbred gentlemen from the Regency time period had flats. (Some still do.) The place is unbelievably beautiful and very high dollar (not that the rest of London is cheap). We seem to have the uncanny ability to pick the worst exchange rate times to visit. LOL! Jermyn Street is not far from Buckingham Palace. Let me stop for a minute and say that the parks in London are some of the best in the world. They are laid out to tantalize the eye and seduce the senses. If I lived there, I would spend a great deal of time exploring each and every one of them. We had reservations for tea at the Ritz, which is by/on Jermyn Street. It was quite elegant and something I’ll always remember. The lobby held a huge Christmas tree and so did the tea area. A piano played standard Christmas tunes to set the mood. The Ritz is swathed in gold leaf reminding me of photos I’d seen of French palaces. High tea is one of those rituals that I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s all so civilized. (wg) If you choose to go, remember to make a reservation. They book up months in advance.
I guess that’s about it. I have so many impressions running through my mind. The ant hill like intensity of the commuters in the Tube(London’s subway system), the fact that most of the women wear high heels to walk everywhere in the city and no makeup, the stylish clothing that everyone seems wear, sharp wit in their shows, and nudity on television that is accepted without a second thought. I found the latter particularly refreshing. I truly envy them that freedom.
I’ll tell you all about Scotland tomorrow. I’ve rattled on long enough.
January 6th, 2005
Oh! I’m SO jealous! And SO homesick for England!!!! And yes, some of the best meals I’ve ever eaten were British meals in pubs. I LOVE the food. I have several British cookbooks and I cook British food all the time. And I have a friend in Germany who frequents a small British grocer there, and she sends me yummy stuff all the time!
Anyway, enough about food. Did I mention how jealous I am? LOL
Glad you had a good time. Can’t wait to hear about Scotland!
by Larissa January 6th, 2005 at 11:25 amLarissa, I hear you on the food. We have a British store nearby, but it’s just not the same. I really miss Marks and Sparks (Marks and Spencer’s). Sigh. I think I’m going to subscribe to a few British magazines. There are some food and design ones that are fabulous. They give honest reviews of the products and don’t seem to care if they hurt a company’s feelings. I love it.
by Jordan January 6th, 2005 at 11:47 amSounds like you had a grand time in London! I *love* London, and I’m mad for the London Eye. I’ve been on it several times and I never get bored with it. Next time you’re over, we’ll have to try and meet up! I get down to London several times a year… Love, Wendy
by Wendywoo January 6th, 2005 at 1:22 pmSounds good, Wendy!
by Jordan January 6th, 2005 at 1:59 pmWow. That’s fantastic. I’m deeply embarrassed that I’ve never been on the London Eye, never had High Tea at the Ritz nor did I go to Jermyn Street. And I’m quite depressed to recognise myself as one of those ants during the rush hour. lol! When you have the time, you ought to turn that blog entry into an article and stick it in your bio or somewhere. I’m sure future visitors would love it. You really do have a way with words. And such a positive view of London, too. Can’t wait for your report on Scotland.
Thank you.
by Maili January 6th, 2005 at 2:15 pmSounds like you had a wonderful time, Jordan. :-)Looking forward to your next post. Now to see about that contest of yours…
by Jaq January 6th, 2005 at 2:52 pmMaili, Thank you for the lovely comments. I think most people who have access to great cities forget what’s right in front of them. I know I could easily fall into that group. I’m doing it now with the city I live in. In the back of my mind, I think I can always go do these things at anytime, so I don’t. I really MUST get out of that mindset. (And I wonder why I’m so bored with where I live. LOL!)
by Jordan January 6th, 2005 at 4:46 pmThanks Jaq! I’m pondering what I’m going to say about Scotland now. (WG)
by Jordan January 6th, 2005 at 4:47 pm