Rainy Days In London Town

 

The United flight did finally leave O’Hare at 11:30 after further delays reloading and then unloading luggage of people who had elected not to take the flight.  Landed at Heathrow at 12:30, about 4 hours late.  Having only carryon makes things so much easier and then the electronic lanes for passport clearing were super efficient.

Because we were originally expecting Sue to be with us we have a very large room at the Royal Gardens hotel.  The hierarchy for doormen and bellhops etc. is fun.  The ups with the hats are clearly the seniors.  Of course it was raining when we landed and rain continued all day.  The umbrellas provided at the front door make it very easy to stay dry.  Hit the bank to get a little cash.  While the ATM itself was easy, when I asked the teller to change the 20 pound note, things got difficult.  Unless you have an account with that bank they won’t change your money.  Ida had to do some banking at Barkleys so we walked over there only to find out all the Barkleys close at 3pm.  Banking is always a challenge but banking in London is even more of a pain.

Still raining when we went out this morning for coffee and breakfast food.  Never see this selection of sandwiches, pastries and baked goods back home.  There are so many options here and everything is tasty.  It’s a good thing we don’t have all this back home or I’d be in major trouble.  

Walked up to Harrods and then to Sloan Square area.  Scoping out potential clothing for the New Year’s Eve wedding back here this winter.  The Chelsea Flower Show opened this week and the all the shops around Sloan Square have embraced the theme.  It does make walking difficult as so many people are stopping to take pics and pose with the displays. 

Hooked up with Mel and his son Dan at Churchill Arms to toast Ed’s memory.  Ed & Mel worked together for many years at Generali and we always had fantastic times.  His son Dan visited KC, NY and many parts of America during all that time.  Ed’s retirement tour took us thru Guernsey and our YouTube videos from that trip generated a lot of commentary.  Dan’s now much taller than his dad and an A&E doctor in London.  We were so happy he and Mel could join us today to raise a few pints in Ed’s honor.  We’re planning another hook up in December when we’re back here for the big wedding event.  

It’s still drizzling as we head back to the hotel tonight.  Hoping for a break in the weather tomorrow when we hook up with the nieces for lunch at Rules. The oldest restaurant in London.  It’s very old school British so we’re just hoping not to be escorted out.