marie
Posts: 1877
Joined: 4 May 2001
From: Bristol Rhode Island USA
Status: offline
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I was so tired when I did the post from the hotel (plus I hate seeing the timer on the computer know that the £s are running up  ) that I skipped the first day.
I was able to check into my hotel when I arrived. No upgrade this year, the room was small but comfortable. I did a quick unpack then headed out. I first went to the seven Dials area. Loads of clothing shops, but nothing that really interested me. I had read about a cheese shop in Neal's Yard and was happy to have found it. I could not really buy anything, but they were very nice and gave me lots of samples. then I got completely turned around and found my self going in circles. I finally made my way to Trafalgar Square and went to the Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. I had some lunch then bought some Christmas cards. From there I went to Covent Gardens and stocked up on tea from Whittards.  I dumped my purchases at the hotel and went over to the South Bank. the hotel is very close to Waterloo Bridge. I walked along the river bank toward the London Eye. There was a small German Christmas Market, nothing special at all. there were several street preformers that were kind of fun. At 5, I went to dinner at the hotel and from there to bed. I ended up sleeping 13 hours 
A friend of mine asked me to bring her a soap dish for her new home. I spent 3 days searching for one  That's what I was looking for on Portobello Road. I did find a small dish that was made for Bristol's 400 anniversary. As she lives in Bristol (Rhode Island, USA), I thought that would be fun. I still continued to look for a more formal one. Forget it. I walked along Regent and Bond streets and went into every department store. I did find one at Furtnum & Mason but they wanted £36 for it. But it was fun window shopping. I did get some toys at Hamleys. That was a fun store. I had to kept checking myself; there is only so much room in the suitcase.
The concert at St. Martins was really good. If you are ever in London and like classical music it really is worth going. It is so much more personal than a large concert hall.
On Saturday, my last full day, I met Barry and Amanda at the entrance to the museums in South Kensington. I know if I don't tell this right, I will never hear the end of it from Barry. Yes, I was at the wrong place.  Thank goodness for cell phones. We first went to the Natural History Museum - we were surprised to see a long line to get in. I think it was mainly for security as they were seaching all bags. the building is incredible!! Animals every where - in the form of carvings on all the columns. I was more fascinated with the structure than with the exhibits. We did not stay long there and soon went to the V&A. That was a little less crowded. We wandered around a bit, then headed off to the cafe. Now that was crowded! We managed to get a table and just sat and caught up with each other. Just like old times, Barry just had to make fun of my pronuciation  could it be his that is the problem?? Unfortunately Barry left his camera in his car back at the train station. He was rather nervous about it, so they decided to go back home early. I went back to Liverpool Station and saw them off. I wish we could have had more time, but I understood how he felt. I was just glad that they came down to the big city to see me. I wondered around for a while, then took the tube back to my hotel. I had packing to do
the next morning I had an early breakfast - as the hotel was quite full they suggested having breakfast early, by 8:30 there was quite a line. My shuttled picked me up at 9. I finally got home at 9:30 PM - 17.5 hours of traveling (okay, I did have time for duty free shopping - my big purchase was a book that won't be available in the states until May) is really tough at my age. Not enough to stop me from going back, but I can see it will be more of a challenge.
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