Made it to London!

Hello!

Hyde Park near Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace!

Sunken Garden, Hyde Park

First of all, I’d like to thank everybody who wrote with encouraging words and/or advice for my bronchitis.  I am SO happy to report that the last really bad attack of coughing I had was last night, 10 pm Turkey Time.  That means that I made it all through today – 24 hours, and while I am still coughing, I’m not convulsing like I was!  Better living through chemistry, as Robert likes to say!  The meds seem to be doing something good, although having never used an inhaler before, Robert has to keep giving me instructions on what and when to breathe.  I know it’s not that complicated, but then, I’ve been ill!

Up this morning about 6 am after a really good night’s sleep. 

Another view of Kensington Palace

Queen Victoria in front of Ken Palace

Showered and repacked and down to a not-really-great breakfast buffet at the hotel.  We then paid our bill (in Turkish lira, to try and get rid of what we had) and got a cab to the airport.  But the lovely gal at reception ran out to tell the driver that the hotel was picking up the fare to the airport – so we were having a difficult time getting rid of the lira anyway you look at it!  Probably a five minute ride to the airport, and then inside.  No real waits anywhere, through check-in, passport control (maybe five minutes or less?) and screening (another couple of minutes).  Got in to the airport’s waiting area about 9 am – plane leaves at 11:25 am.  However, an interesting thing I’ve never seen in an airport before – no place for passengers to sit!  It was unreal!  There was seating at the various eating places, but other than that – no idea why they don’t have any; seems silly, as we saw families with kids all stacked up on the floor next to the wall.  We were fortunate to find a comfy couch and table at Starbucks, and whiled the time away there (it takes a long time for a cup of Starbucks coffee to cool down). 

A lion with wings!!

Me at Memories of India restaurant

I have to admit that I did do a little “last minute” shopping, as that was definitely one way to get rid of excess lira!  Although more to carry, I know.

Gate posted at 9:55 am, and it wasn’t too far from the Starbucks.  Got in, and waited just a bit, and then on to the plane.  As it turns out, the plane wasn’t nearly full, and while there were three across in my row (me on the aisle) I moved one row back, and shared the three seats with one other gal.  The plane took off on time, and it was a very smooth – and short (!) flight!  I think it was almost 5 hours to Turkey, and something like 3 hours 10 minutes to get back.  Very soon we were on the ground, and Stansted is such a pleasure to go through!  There weren’t too many non-British or non-EU folks, and I think we were second or third in line at passport control!  Luggage came immediately, and fortunately, both pieces were there this time.  So, off to the Stansted Express train to London’s Liverpool station.

Own of Indian restaurant

I'm gonna live!

Train probably took an hour or so to get to London (with only two stops) but we had plenty of room in the carriage, and were able to keep an eye on all of our things. Caught a cab at Liverpool station, and it took the cabbie a bit of time to work his way across town.  We are staying at the Doubletree Hyde Park on Bayswater Road. 

Veggie Pakora

Tulip on our table!

Bayswater is the northern boundary for Hyde Park.  Got to the hotel, received warm cookies, and up to the top floor (7) to our lovely hotel room.  It took a while to get things arranged.  While the room is a good size for London, it’s not overly large – although the bathroom has plenty of room to put things, as well as a wonderful bathtub which will be put into service tomorrow morning.  The only problem I could find is that out of something like 300 television stations, there is basically NOTHING related to sports on the television!  I did fine a Saudi sports channel, which was televising yacht racing, but R said he did not fly all the way to England to listen to a language other than English!  So, guess no sports for a few days more!

Chicken Tikka

Rice and eggplant

One of the things that we really wanted to do was ship some of our excess and collected items back home, as the luggage was getting pretty heavy.  We offloaded souvenirs and Turkish maps and guidebooks, and were directed by the hotel to a Mail Box just down the road.  There we found a place that did mail, UPS and Fedex!  Nice man put together a box for us, helped R do the packing, and weighed it – 7 kilos (15.43 pounds).  So, it is on its way to Bob and Stew’s house; should actually arrive there on Monday!!!  Felt really great to drop that many pounds!

Back to the hotel, and a decision to go Indian for dinner.  However, it occurred to me that, as it’s Valentine’s Day (Happy Valentine’s Day, All!!), there might be a problem getting in.  So, as we hadn’t had any lunch, (other than the Doubletree cookie) we decided to eat early.  We have been to several Indian places around Earl’s Court, so I asked TripAdvisor, and they came up with their number 1 recommendation for that area, a place called Memories of India.  As it was almost directly across Hyde Park from us, we decided to walk.  Probably took about half an hour, but we very much enjoyed walking through Hyde Park, and past Kensington Palace!  (Home of Kate, William and the kiddies as well as a few other royals.) 

Catching the tube!

Then down Gloucester Road and there was Memories of India!

We were the first people there, and got a lovely table for two in the window!  The owner was an absolutely sweetie – he presented me with a lovely red rose for Valentine’s day!  So sweet!  Have to admit, the food was fabulous.  We had vegetable samosa and pappadom for starters, with an amazing peach chutney. Then came our chicken tikka (best we have ever had anywhere; chicken so tender it would cut with a butter knife!), marsala king prawns, and stuffed baby eggplant, all accompanied by pilau rice and garlic na’an.  Robert had a wonderful glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc, and I had lots of sparkling water.  (Do not think it wise to mix meds and wine.)  Absolutely stuffed, but for once, we actually ordered the right amount of food!  NO leftovers!!  This place will absolutely become a standard in upcoming trips to London, that’s for sure.  Out the door about 6:30 pm. 

Kept walking down Gloucester Road, and found two US/UK adapter plugs that R has been wanting to get at a little hardware store, as well as into a Boots for a few necessities.  Then onto the underground at Gloucester Road station.  Only two stops, to Notting Hill Gate.  From the tube station, it was a very short walk back to the hotel.  We did stop for some water for the room, but it was nice to get back to the hotel.

I’m now about ready for bed, even though it’s only 7:52 pm!  So take care, lots and lots of love and thanks to you all, and more tomorrow!

m

xxx