We arrived across the Pond !

It would have been cheaper in the long run, if we had taken a limo from CS to Denver. The plan was for us to rent a car and drive to Denver. The cost would have been much less than the limo. Unfortunately, on the way over to get the car, Howard got a speeding ticket. So, if you add up the cost of the car, gas, and then the speeding ticket, the Limo would have won hands down.

On the plus side, when we got to the British Air Terminal, the service was over the moon, even with us taking off 45 minutes late. It was very nice being able to wait in the lounge drinking wine and nibbling on cheese and mini sandwiches. By the time we finally got our dinner on the plane, I had lost my appetite (it was 10pm). All I really wanted to do was try and sleep. However, don't believe that a picture says a thousand words. There are lovely pictures on the British Air site of their wonderful sleeper seats. What the pictures don't tell you is that the seats are built for size 2 models. The seats may let you face your partner thus making it easier for conversation. However, they are not built for anyone who is more than 100 pounds.

Now I am of slight build, but even I found the seats cramped. They do level out flat, however, you have these hard sides confining you. So, if you try to adjust your sleeping position at all, you bump yourself and wake up. I managed to sleep a bit, Howard had no trouble at all as long as he slept on his back. The seat wouldn't allow him to turn on his side with any amount of comfort.

The other problem with the seats was that they are not built for someone who is 5'3". Yes, I had more leg room. Unfortunately, the foot rest was a bit far from the end of my foot. I peaked through the curtain while we were in flight, and the people just two rows back from where our seats were did not look overly comfortable. I guess I shouldn't complain.

So, on our return flight home, unless Howard can talk us into an upgrade, we are back with the rest of the normal world in the upscale versiion of Coach.

In any case, we arrived in London safe and sound. The weather was not the best. I think we brought the rain with us as it rained the whole way up on our drive from CS to Denver.

Remember what I said about pictures not being worth much - Well, we are staying at Barkston Gardens. On the Internet, it shows a lovely park with the Hotel in the background. Unfortunately, it is a private park for the locals who live around there. It is totally gated off and you need a key to gain access. The hotel guests do not qualify. It is a businessman's hotel. Nothing fancy. It is old, but the room is clean and it is quiet.

We are close to the Tube Station at Earls Court. So, our first day, we ventured forth to get the lay of the land and stretch our legs a bit. The stations are neat, and efficient. We have had no trouble using our Travel Cards. We haven't even got lost.

Last night we went to the Theatre to see The Produers. We took a taxi since we didn't want to deal with trying to find the tube station in the dark in an area we were unfamiliar with. They drive like maniacs here. I just closed my eyes, wore my seatbelt and prayed. We arrived at the theatre district in one piece. We found a very small Italian cafe close by the theatre (5 tables inside and 3 outside) where we had dinner. It was nice to just walk across the street after our meal and walk in the doors of the theatre. We had geared ourselves to having to really listen to the actors speaking. Well, I think the cast was totally American (makes sense since it is about Broadway) so we had no problems at all. However, I don't know about the ladies sitting next to us who were from Jersey (an English island off the French coast). They weren't laughing at the jokes like we were.

We did manage to stay awake (I only nodded off a couple of times during the first act). During intermission, they sold Ice Cream cups just like they do at the baseball or foot ball games. While they didn't go up and down the aisles, they did set up a little table right in the aisle by the orchestra pit. Howard only muttered a little bit when they charged his 5 pounds (almost $10) for an Ice Cream cup and a bottle of water. When I commented to the ladies seated next to us that you wouldn't find this at American Theatre, they were shocked. Apparently, this has been common practice for years and years.

I think every theatre in London must let out at the same time. We had a devil of a time flagging down a taxi especially so, since it was raining again. We walked away from the theatre for a few blocks, and finally managed to flag one down. (I had better luck than Howard did). We fell into bed, exhausted and ready to sleep. I don't know if the room is just real quiet, or if we were too tied to care, but we both slept through the night.

Today, we walked, and walked, and walked some more. Now, we all know what Subway's are right? Wrong - in England, Subways are the pedestrian underpasses which get you from one side of a very busy street or bridge to the other side. The first time that someone told me to walk down the street and take the subway across the way I wasn't quite sure what they were refering to. Finally came to a sign that said Pedestrian subway and figured it out.

Also, if you are a disabled person in a wheelchair, there is not any way for you to see many of the older attractions. We went to the Tower of London and must have climbed up and down 20 staircases that were round spirals, very narrow. My legs are never going to be the same. It is amazing to me that the British haven't raised the roof over equal oportunity for the disabled. However, it is not only the buildings, the "subways" do not have ramps either. It's up and down, and down and up all over the city.

We had a lovely time at the Tower and finally left to wander our way over to the Tate Moderm Museum of Art. We got directions, got lost a bit, and stumbled upon this wonderful outdoor food market down by the river. The smells were a delight, and interesting things to nibble on along the way. We finally found the museum after asking for directions a few more times. Now, I am not a fan of art museums, but Howard was really keen on seeing this one. So in we went. I still have to say, that modern art leaves me cold. I finally sat down because my feet were killing me and let Howard finish on his own. I had a lovely conversation with a couple who had also stopped for a "foot rest ". Overall, I have not found the British people to be at all reserved. The ones we have talked to have been very open and friendly - very ready to offer suggestions on what to see in our travels around the country.

We fially caught the tube back to the hotel very late in the afternoon. We were only going to stop into the local grocery for something sweet to tide us over. However, once we got inside we decided to have a cold dinner. The market (Marks & Spencer) is something in between a full grocery store and a mimi mart. It seems to cater to people who are shopping for dinner that night. They have a lot of prepackaged ready to go meals that are either cold fare or something you heat up. This is not our typical TV dinner. They have regular items but in more limited quantity. You could cook a full meal if you wanted to, just is so much easier to have it already done for you. However, I must say that their raw meat section that seemed to cater to one or two servings. Everything was beautifuly packaged. They even have spoons and forks at the checkout stand. Checking out was also a bit different. You stood in the que and the next available cashier called out when they were available. No fighting to find the shortest line to stand in.

We got back to the hotel, took our shoes off and finally sat down to a lovely inexpensive cold dinner. We rested for a bit and I watched a bit of the Telli (it's no wonder they shorten the name, it would not qualify for what we call television here in the US). Either the programs were for kids, or the news (and lousy newscasters at that). Howard caught 40 winks until it was time for us to go again.

Decided to take one of the original London walks after dark. We were to meet our guide at one of the tube stations and then go on a Pub walk. We got to the station early and found others waiting for the walk - most all were Americans, only one couple was British. We had a wonderful time walking through South Kensington. The townhouses are something else, so are the prices. A typical high end London townhouse would cost "Buckets" - American translation 5 million pounds. That's right, 10 million of our green bucks for a very old (1880's - 1900's)but beautiful attached townhouse with neighbors on both sides and at least 3 stories and a basement. Now this does come with a key to one of the private gardens I told you about earlier. However, there are no parking spaces or garages for a car, if you even bothered to own one. I guess when you are that rich you would just call for a limo if you really needed a car.

We had a lovely time, lots of laughs, enjoyable company, and a pint to boot.

Cheers,

T&T in London