Sunny and warm about 26. Keith drove us to airport and no problems with plane. Good seats and food, pasta for me and chicken for Anne. Wine included.
Anne awaiting flight announcement at Ottawa Airport
Good flight overall but no sleep and landed at Heathrow about 6:20 am. Unfortunately so did about 4 or 5 other planes and we were in a huge “Disney-like” line for about an hour and a half. Those with Euro passports, however, went through another queue that was very quick..so if you have a European passport then use it! Although it was a long process it was orderly (unlike CDG near Paris) and by the time we were through our bags were waiting.We then took the Heathrow Express ($16 pds each economy); I, however, forgetting that a pound is not a dollar, opted for first class..nice choice…and only about $35 wasted so far. 15 minutes later, however, we were at Paddington Station and walked the 5 minutes to the hotel.Very nice hotel, Hilton Metropole, and we met the Globus people, chose not to take their tour options, and were checked in. Nice room with view on 18th floor…Internet service is 15 pds for each day..no way!
We called Nicole who came over and took us on the tube…For 3pd you get an “oyster” card onto
which we added 10pds each. Each time you use the tube an amount is deducted. When you leave you turn in the card and get your 3pd back and any unused funds. We toured part of the City with Nicole and met Michael for lunch at a pub called the Barley Mow. In pubs you go to the bar and place and pay for your order and it is delivered to your table. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. It appears that all tips are collected and shard by all staff. We then tubed back to the hotel for a short nap and then met Michael and Nicole at Piccadilly Circus (which means circle) and then walked to meet Howard Singleton and his “almost adopted” son Sean at the Traveler’s Club.
Michael, Nicole, Anne, Sean and Howard at the Traveler’s Club
The club is exclusive and established in the 1800’s by and for travelers. Now membership is restricted with a complex admission process, but ambassadors are welcome at no cost, and there are some arrangements for diplomats as well. The Rideau Club in Ottawa is an affiliate as are other similar clubs around the world. We started with Champagne in the garden, followed by a terrific roast beef dinner and a variety of wines and desserts. We finished with liquors in the Library and made if back in one piece to the hotel at about 11pm..a bit weary.
Day 2 Tuesday, June 24
The day again sunny and warm, started with our rising at 6am and bags in the hall by 6:45 then breakfast (included) at Fiamma’s in the Hotel. The breakfast had everything possible for a breakfast to have and the restaurant very popular and crowded.We boarded the coach at 7:50am and the coach left promptly at 8am. Our guide for the duration is Michael and driver, Bob. Michael is very well informed with a sense of humour and, so far, keeps the drive enjoyable. Not sure of the exact totals, but the majority of the 42 passengers are from Australia, others from New Zealand, the United States, and one other Canadian, Barbara from Toronto. A variety of ages but mostly older people and a greater number of women than men.Distances are relatively short for Canadians/Americans so the trip through Kent (the orchard, green, relatively flat part of our trip) was quick, only about 50 miles over narrow (no shoulders) but well maintained Motorway. We learned a bit along the way..most common surnames in Britain are Scottish and Welsh, Davis, Jones, Brown..and current and past Prime Ministers are Scots. The Romans had everyone drive their carriages on the left in order to have their right arms free to fend off the fierce Island “savages” and the rest of Europe drove on the right when Napoleon ruled supreme everywhere but in Britain.
Our first stop is Canterbury and a tour of the famous cathedral where Thomas Becket met his untimely, and unintended, death at the hands of 4 knights of King Henry II. An excellent tour and we wisely used the audiophones as recommended by Michael and Nicole. This is a very historic and important event and led to the canonization of Becket and the start of many tours by pilgrims to this “shrine” where miracles have been reported over the years. Good time for catholics until dear Henry VIII looted the place and made Catholicism a no, no.
We then went on to the town of Battle the site of the 1066 victory of William the Conqueror. This was a short stop but there is a famous old Abbey which we admired from the outside while having crab cakes (excellent) and a Guinness at the Pilgrim’s Rest pub across the street. The owners swear that they have ghosts they believe are from the Abbey.
We were then off to Brighton where we toured the Royal Pavilion, which was built by George IV in the early 1800’s when he was Prince Regent (meaning he ruled while his father, George III, was hidden away, being somewhat deranged). This was a “party place” quite elaborate, with many oriental design features. George became king at age 49 and gradually partied himself to death. He did seem to enjoy himself on the way, however, with numerous mistresses and a couple of wives. His heir had no children so in came Queen Victoria, a mother of 9, and not to fond of the “party palace”, much too small for her taste and brood. She moved out with most of the goodies. There is a statue of her outside glaring at the Pavilion.
While we were touring, the coach had gone on to the hotel and stored our luggage and when we departed the guide (Michael) gave us the keys to our rooms. We arrived at about 6pm at the Hilton, a very classy hotel on the beach. Rooms are fine but we did not get a view (204) and again the internet was very expensive.
Dinner was at 7pm in a very classy dining room facing the Ocean. We shared a table with a retired American couple from Illinois, and now mostly Florida. Anne had Chicken and I had Red Snapper..good food but not great. We then took a walk along the beach out to the Brighton Pier. Something like Coney Island, or Santa Monica, California. Back in the room by 10:15 and I began this dissertation. So far the people seem friendly enough and the first day we rate a success!
nb..WILL ADD MORE PHOTOS
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