Dank- unpleasantly wet and cold- a perfect description for the majority of days we had in Pimlico, London. Whenever the sun shone through it lifted our hearts and enabled us to disregard the plunging temperature and biting wind. But we weren’t there for the weather!
And what have we done? Formal dinners, shows, Art Galleries, shopping, tours, walks, buses, tubes, taxis and countless pubs. We’ve explored wonderful city views atop art galleries and office towers, fascinating streets with mind-blowing street art and all manner of food! We’ve been immersed in great bookshops, amazing architecture, flea markets and food markets, and hung out with the most amazing people. London never fails to enchant, educate and fascinate.
On our arrival our first challenge was to find an outfit to wear to a ‘formal’ dinner at a top table at one of the Oxford Colleges. I know. A bit fancy! We were very impressed. I had picked up an Aisha dress in Marrakech which I would wear over black pants and a black top I just needed shoes. John needed a jacket and tie. We scoured the Charity shops and found what we needed. It would do. It’s not every day we hobnob with an Oxford professor and Sandra was the most convivial host. We got to check out some of the colleges, cross into the inner sanctums and dine with the faculty. It was such a treat.
We caught up with friends, Doug and Pam, from home, Sandra and Marcella from Germany and Max and Paul, Kas and Adam- Londoners.
The two weeks just flew. Our location in Pimlico was fabulous, just minutes from Victoria Station, connecting us to everywhere. It was also quiet and very comfortable. Thank you Anna.
So now the end is near, and so we face our final journey… well let’s not be too Frank about it… his town was NY after all, and this is London and London does get under your skin. For instance the chit specifically stated ‘optional’ so I took it literally. Every café, restaurant, bar and pub add a ‘service’ charge now-a-days. It supposed to be discretionary but those unaware, with too much money or easily intimidated are easily parted with their money. It was a pub and they wanted 12.5%…Really!!! £5.75!!! I paid £2.46. Hey, I’m going home. I’m off-loading shrapnel… Poor darling obviously sent by head Honcho to pick up the £2.29 difference .. I pointed out it was optional. She retreated….it’s London… suck it up. One has to be a bit sassy or get swallowed up!!!
LHR and it’s now day 94. I am ready. Well..not really. Who can be ready for twenty-one hours of flying? Still, it’s time, and we are both looking forward to going home, sleeping in our own bed and hugging all those we love and have missed. It has been another amazing journey filled with wonderful experiences but most importantly, infused with joy by the warm, friendly, brilliant, funny, fabulous people we have met. Until next time…