London July 5-July 18 Report

Welcome back!

I was due to be in London for a couple of days next week but I checked the forecast today and a heatwave is due with temperatures forecast to be around 31C (88F). I don't fancy those temperatures in London so I'm going to stay at home and enjoy the coastal breeze instead. Hopefully you'll be staying somewhere cool enough.

Glad to hear that you had a smooth flight experience. Get some sleep and enjoy your trip!
Looking forward to reading the trip report.

Welcome back, Claudia! Glad to hear your flight experience was relatively uneventful. Will you be staying more in town this trip or will you be down Richmond-way?

Welcome back to my favourite London correspondent! Hope the ‘interesting times’ you arrive to find us in don’t adversely affect your enjoyment of the trip! Look forward to learning new stuff about my own capital. Thanks to events in my own life you’ve probably visited London more times than I have over the past four or five years (a situation which I hope to remedy!).

Ian

Glad to hear that you had a good flight and arrived safely.
Can't wait to hear about your transit through Heathrow.
I hope all went well there.
Best wishes for a great trip!

Hello all.

Good to be back.

Heathrow arrival went smoothly. Flew Premium Economy on Virgin Airlines. Once Upper Class deplanes Premium Economy is next. I travel carry on so once out the door it was 10 minutes to immigration. Wasn’t horrible. Maybe 25 minutes. Was well organized and moved quickly.

Privileged to have a driver waiting for me holding a sign saying Claudia. Easy peasy drive to the PI. Its a nice place. Stayed here in 2020.

Check in was smooth. Once unpacked went across the road to the local market for some bottled water, Oreos and some crisps. Dropped goodies back in room and then headed to The Crown for a late lunch. Watched Wimbledon on the television. The Crown is a large traditional pub. Comfortable and clean. Nice staff.

As I didn’t sleep much on the overnight flight I went to bed early. Awoke around 7am. More later. Walked 4 miles today, 2 trains, 1 bus. 11:30pm London time. Need some sleep.

I love when Claudia is in London! Enjoy your trip, I'll be tracking your adventures looking for the next nugget of wisdom for my own travels in November.

You really got lucky with your transit through Heathrow!
Glad to hear it all went smoothly.
Looking forward to reading about more of your adventures.
Cheers.

Yay, Claudia is back in London!
Looking forward to learning more from you about one of my favourite cities.

I always enjoy your reports, Claudia. I like your quick visit to the supermarket. One of my first to-dos after hotel check-in is getting a stash of water, snickers, and pringles - oh and probably a Country Living UK magazine!

Day 3. Cannot sleep. Its 1:35am so might as well prattle on.

Weather has been stellar. 77 today. Wore capris, no iron 3/4 sleeve blouse. Shoes of the day are 7 year old Nike running shoes. Lightweight, and comfortable.

8 miles today. Started in Richmond. From the Premier Inn walked into town and grabbed a coffee and raisin cinnamon roll at the Cafe Nero. From there to the Thames River path to the Syon House and Gardens. Got to cross the old Richmond Lock and Weir. Did not tour the house but throughly enjoyed a meander around the adjoining nursery. Had some tasty lemon cake and a bottle of still water. Wanted to stay hydrated.

Then strolled into Brentford and stopped at the Six Bells pub for a pint. Also the loo. Met two nice fellas, both painters on their day off. Obviously the conversation was about the PM’s resignation.

Left there and walked towards Kew Bridge Station. Took the 65 bus back to Richmond..

After my sojourn took time to nap as I was meeting a friend for dinner. Went to the fabulous Dragon Inn. It was my 4th visit. Enjoyed meeting up with my friend Claire. Years ago when AirBnB first started she was my host. Over the years kept in touch so each London visit we meet for a meal. She still works so I let her choose which meal of the day works best. This trip it was dinner.

If any of you choose to stay in Richmond, the Dragon Inn is worth your time and money.

Tomorrow meeting Nigel and Carol. We are visiting Nuffield Place.

Now 2:21am. Finally yawning. Alarm set. Night night

Claudia,

I, too, am in London but heading home tomorrow. The weather has been great and I have (so far) avoided any travel problems. You have been sending occasional shout outs towards Richmond on this forum for a while. Due, in part, to those posts and my own desires to see Ted Lasso’s go to pub, I walked about 15 miles from Tower Bridge to Kew Gardens and Richmond town on the South Thames walk. If you want a great, long walk with some nice parks and pubs on the way to Richmond, I wholeheartedly recommend that. And, based on my afternoon there, I see why you like Richmond. PS: The Ship Pub in Wandsworth, somewhat near Battersea Park on the way to Richmond has been added to my Destination Pub list. Safe Travels.

Jay hope you made it home easily.

Miffed. Twice have tried to post via the free Premier Inn WiFi. Twice its failed. Sending this short missive now to check if it goes through…. Fingers crossed

3rd time is the charm…

Wimbledon experience was grand. Our privilege to have Centre Court Debenture Tickets. We trained from Richmond Station to Wimbledon Park and followed others along the 20 minute stroll to the All England Lawn an Tennis Club. Quite an impressive place. Our tickets enabled us to walk through a special gate. Consider Strawberries and Cream but the ticket package included a full course lunch. Our table was 57 next to the window so we could look out towards Court 1 and Centre Court. For me ( I’m easily pleased ) having these tickets meant getting to use restrooms far from the madding crowd. Thumbs up.

Great lunch. Emelda our server was fabulous. Tickets included tea and scones following the match. Same table. Emelda. How the other half lives is definitely something. Posting this to see if it uploads…con’t

Great seats for the match. Section 203 Row L seats 94&95 on the isle. In the shade all day. Bliss. Could easily see the Duchess of Cambridge resplendent in a bright yellow dress, Billie Jean King, Maggie Smith and Tom Cruise in the Royal Box.

Sensed the crowd favored Jabeur. Good tennis, fantastic stadium, bucket list item checked off.

Rode the 143 bus back to Richmond. My friend got off 2 stops before I did. Last November took the 143 twice so knew my walk “ home.” As I approached The Mitre it was Kismet. Rudi the pub dog was outside sunning. Called his name, got a slight head lift so walked up to him. He got and loved his belly rubs. I popped inside. Only one other patron inside. Where Rudi was were a table of four enjoying pizza and pints. Ordered my pint, paid for it, watched it settle. Sat in a comfy chair and culled my photos.
After finishing the pint made my way over the railroad tracks back to the PI. Took a nice sunset photo from the railroad pedestrian bridge.

I compare Wimbledon to the Mona Lisa. I'm no art lover, but I want to see her. I'm not a tennis fan, but as a sports fan, it seems like something I should see, so it's on the bucket list. Possibly one day I'll go with my son who stays up all night to watch.

Allan you and your son should definitely do it. The grounds are fantastic. The museum well done. Restaurant was fantastic. Great atmosphere as you amble around. Friendly staff. Worth every penny. And customers do spend all day there as play is on other courts.

Today, Sunday is a total sloth day. My choice. Watching Wimbledon’s men’s final on the telly. Had the full ( no longer free ) Premier Inn breakfast this morning. After walked a block to the J & S market for bottled water, a Snickers bar and some cheese and onion crisps.

Could go to The Crown for dinner or pay for it here at the PI. Right now perfectly content to stay prone.

Yep Sunday sloth!

Tomorrow have yet to decide what to do in the day time. Maybe the London Water and Steam Museum. In the evening going to dinner and to see a play at the National with my friend Rick. We met in grad school ages ago. He moved here with his partner after graduation. Colin passed spring of 2020. Last November Rick and I saw Mark Gatiss and Nicholas Farrell in Ghost Story. Play was staged at Alexandra Palace.

Looks like Rick he’s reserved a table for us at L’ulivo. Oh goodie a new restaurant to experience. Also haven’t been to the National in years! Bravo!

Claudia, your diet sounds similar to mine when I travel. In a pinch I go for a Snickers bar and crisps (some flavor they don't have in the states.)

Hi there, sloth. Good choice.

London Water and Steam Museum

Do you mean the one on the north side of Kew Bridge?

If so, I loved it. Several years ago so it may have changed a bit. They have a big pump. One really super huge pump which cranks out serious amounts of water. A very fun place. I'd have thought that a Monday would likely not be a steaming day?

Have fun!

Full disclosure:

Went to the adjacent Crown Pub where I had dinner. Watched the end of the men’s Wimbledon final.

Walked back to the Premier Inn. Comfortable in my room. AC on. Hot again today. 7pm and its 84!

Yes, Nigel that museum. Haven’t yet checked to see if it open. If not there maybe the Russell Square Cabman’s shelter for breakfast. Or maybe off to Shoreditch for the street art. Do know I’ll need to rest before my 4:30pm dinner.

EDIT: museum is closed so off to Shoreditch

Claudia, Thanks for your wonderful ongoing trip report! I am enjoying reading it and traveling along with you.

Wow, what an incredible day you had at Wimbledon! Just amazing!

And the day before that, your walk along the Thames River path to Syon House, Richmond Lock and Weir, Brentford and Kew sounds great.

Did you get to go to Nuffield Place, as you mentioned? Just curious, as I've never been there.

Happy Sunday to you. I hope you've had a day of rest.

Livid…at 4:30am spent 20 minutes typing about my day at Nuffield and zilch. Premier Inn free WiFi sucks

Not going to be as detailed as I was on my first post
( that disappeared) about Nuffield Place.

Guess to take advantage of the Premier Inn free WiFi your post has to be short and sweet. Not long and informative.

Trained from Richmond to Datchet. 30 minute ride. Nigel and Carol were waiting for me. Hopped in their car and off to Nuffield Place. Nice drive through rural England. Rolling hills, forest. The large gate to the property was shut when we pulled up. I became the gate manager.

An unpretentious home it where William Morris of Morris autos lived. Known for his generosity and philanthropy he created the largest healthcare charity in the UK.

What fun to hang out with Nigel & Carol. They’re the best!

Today is moving day.

Shortly out the door to walk in the heat to my friend’s house where I’ll stay for the remainder of the trip.

Once I’m settled I’ll rewrite and re post about Nigel, Carol and my meet up and seeing Nuffield Place together. I’ll also post my sojourn into central London yesterday. Got back in my room at midnight so it was a long enjoyable day.

Temps have been in the 80’s. Wearing shorts and getting a tan in London is something I’ve never considered. Its happening though.

Thank you Premier Inn for having AC!

Happy walking, Claudia. Not too far and at least here in the East we have cloud cover which slows down a bit of the strooooong sun.

You'll enjoy your stay at your home from home. And the wifi will work

Prone. Doing wash. Easy 20 minute walk from the Premier Inn to my friends home. Sidewalks all the way so pulling the roller bag was no problem.

Just had a salad and some watermelon. Been uploading images to Instagram. Thought it best to to make the effort and add to my trip report.

First focusing on the visit to Nuffield Place with Nigel and Carol. Then a narrative of yesterday’s meander and a review of “Jack Absolute Flies Again “ at the National Theatre.

Posting each separately.

Well, I began this post and someone wrote about a heat wave in London going as high as 88 F.

Well I live in Austin TX and it will be 110 F going down to 90 late night if we are lucky.

It has been over 100 degrees every day since May and this could continue until October.

What we wouldn't do for 88 degrees here.

Anyway, I will be possibly visiting London August 2023 and I will be having. a lot of questions.

I will be going to Southhampton to take a cruise from Southhampton to Lisbon, then fly back to London and then flying home to Texas.

I plan to spend about three days in Southhampton before sailing, about three days in Lisbon after my cruise and then three more days in London before flying home. And in between all this I have a 9 day cruise.

I am beginning my research early.

This was the first post when I entered Rick Steves. So hello

Nuffield Place is outside Henley on The Thames.

Nigel and Carol directed me to take a train from Richmond to Datchet. Bought at return ticket and enjoyed a quiet and pleasant ride on a South Western train. Nigel and Carol were seated a bench on the platform as I emerged from the train. Hugs and off we went to the car park. i Got in the back seat behind Carol and off we went.

Nuffield Place was the home of William Morris, founder of Morris Motors. He is also known for his philanthropy which is how Nuffield Hospitals came into existence.

Its an unpretentious home with well manicured gardens. When we arrived the gate to the property was closed. As the back seat passenger I back the gate manager. Swung it open and put it back into place after drove passed through.

Guides are volunteers. Our man whose name I never got was knowledgeable. Pleasant and the fact no one else was there to tour made for an unfettered sojourn. After the indoor tour we walked about the manicured garden. Lavender in full bloom.

One of the two women volunteers we met when we first arrived suggested lunch at the nearby The Maker Space. We took their advice. Sandwiches, crisps, soda and water.

From there we headed towards Runnymeade and discovered The Jurors artwork in a field off the road.
A National Trust property the 12 bronze chairs by artist Hew Locke were erected in 2015 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Each chair symbolizing the rule of law, human rights and freedom. Very interesting.

Nigel wanted to be certain I saw Windsor Castle. I’d visited it in the early 90’s. We did a drive past. I’d forgotten how large it is looming above Windsor.

Must say the heatwave is debilitating. Long walks have been shortened and I’m presently doing a load of wash.

More later….

Yo Jay,
Fifteen miles?!! From Tower Bridge yet. My God, what a distance. Well-done to have pulled that off. You are a master 'urban walker'.
I am done. the sore feet

Last night ( Monday ) tubed from Richmond to Embankment Station on the District Line. 30 minutes. Met my friend Rick who moved to London with his partner Colin in the early 90’s. Colin passed in 2020. Rick and I had gone to grad school together.

We met outside L’ulivo Charing Cross. 5 minute walk from Embankment. We were going to see “Jack Absolutely Comes Back” at the National Theatre. Dinner was very tasty. Reservations were early. 4:30pm but that way dinner and dessert were leisurely enjoyed.

After coffee and a limoncello tart we strolled to the National where were we met up with two of Rick’s friends, the 2 Davids. Our seats were great but honestly I don’t believe there is a bad seat in the Olivier Theatre. The play was fun and brilliantly staged, especially the fighter planes dogfight.

Rick walked with me over the Waterloo Bridge to Embankment where we said “ see you Thursday.“
We have tickets for “Come Away With Me” at the Phoenix Theatre. Another late night but I’ve gotten very used to midnight walks.

Laundry is done. Its cooled some. 88 to 83. Been staying hydrated. Little appetite. Just had an orange. That’s dinner.

Hearing a few rain drops outside. As I said reminiscent of Florida weather. The rain will be brief but will help cool things down.

Tomorrow doing a London Walks tour, Inns of the Court. Looking forward to it. Rest of the day TBD.

Claudia, love the daily trip reports ... adding some of these places to my list of possible stops when I go next April ... but I'm finding out I have too many places and too little time!

Bostonphil, I'm in DFW so feeling that Texas heat also ... when it's in the 90's at midnight, something's wrong ... and I'm assuming you're a Sox fan ... my 2 favorite teams are the Mets (born and raised in Flushing) and whichever team is beating the &%#$ out of the Yankees ...

I plan to spend about three days in Southhampton before sailing, about three days in Lisbon after my cruise and then three more days in London before flying home

If possible, add the 3 days in London before the cruise, so when you fly back from Lisbon you can keep right on going through London (or just fly home from Lisbon) and avoid the ridiculously high departure taxes ... and Lisbon is one of my favorite cities (craving some Pasteis de Nata right about now) ... take the ferry across the river then a bus to the Cristo Rei statue for some fabulous views of the city ... then before boarding the ferry back across stop at Estrela do Sol (with the red umbrellas) and have some sardines fresh off the grill, but be careful about ordering/eating anything else, it all costs and can be a little on the expensive side.

Nearly 9:30pm and still light out. Sun setting but no where near dark.

Today was the Inns of the Court tour offered by www.walks.com. Met outside Holborn Station.

I left early, 8:30am, for the 11am tour. As much as I am appreciative of free room and board Richmond is 25 minutes on the tube into London. Add that I chose to walk from my friends house (add another 25 minutes to get to the station) AND you need to change at Hammersmith to get to Holborn.
Arrived an hour early because thats me. So meandered, snapped photos and got bottled water. Wanted to stay hydrated in the heat.

Brian was our leader. Very informative and personable guide. About 15 of us in the group. Tour was 2 hours with lots of walking. Informative and enjoyable. Learned that barristers still do not shake hands ( Google the custom ) and that the reason whigs were powdered wasn’t for the smell but to kill vermin.

After the tour I headed of to buy some paracetamol. After hours of walking with my poor posture I often get a stabbing pain between my shoulder blades. Annoying and painful. So painful today that I gave up traveling to Shoreditch. I did have lunch at the Inns of the Court pub. Burger and fries ( such a Yank ) and then strolled to Farringdon Station. Farringdon to Hammersmith where I literally hopped of one train and hopped on the other. Got back to Richmond. Should have taken a bus but alas….
Got back to my friends drained from the heat and discomfort. Drank 2 glasses of chilled water and had 2 pieces of watermelon while splayed on my friends couch.

Fell asleep watching a John Barnaby Midsomers Murder. Uploaded pics to my Instagram. My host arrived home at 8:30pm. Each of us chatted about our days then she made a call to states.

Tomorrow laundry and sloth. Dinner and theatre in the evening. 9:48pm 72 degrees outside.

Loving reading this Claudia. Fun to be there with you… thanks.

Love your reports, Claudia! Visit any Ted Lasso sites?

maybe you could extend for a week or two, just until the heat breaks, so we could enjoy the mild summer together? That's a great idea!

Nigel my friend would if I could. Probably back in November or December. Still deciding. You’ll be the first to know.

bmathesison, sorry but after 30 years as a film and tv location scout and manager nary an interest in seeing the pub where Ted Lasso films. That and I had lunch there on my 2018 November visit. Remember that my potato chowder was too watery.

Bit bummed. Awoke with a sore throat. Was hoping it was because I slept with AC on in my bedroom but it hasn’t ebbed. Strolled from my friends house into East Sheen to get laundry soap at the Waitrose. Of course I forgot stores don’t open till 8am here. So plopped myself in a comfortable chair by the window at the Harris & Hoole coffee shop across the road. Had a flat white with 3 shots of Expresso and a very tasty piece of lemon cake. People watched. Checked my Instagram and solved WORDLE in 4.

Dinner and theatre was all that is scheduled today so hoping by resting, sipping tea and using throat lozenges that this will pass. If not, then dinner here and no theatre.

Nothing is going to interfere with my seeing Mark Rylance in Jerusalem on Saturday.

Temperature has cooled. Pleasant 70. I’ve got a cross breeze going through the living room.

Feet up. Resting, relaxing and medicating.

Thanks for taking us along with you. I hope you get plenty of rest and your sore throat subsides so you can enjoy your play this evening.

Alas chose to cancel dinner and theatre plans. Also took an in house Covid test just be certain. Negative.
Just a common cold. Been sipping tea, drinking water, eating mandarin oranges. Is what it is. Happened in November as well. Guess I can walk 8 miles but not fend off a cold germ. C’est la vie. Rest, hydrate, rest some more.

Its ALL about going to see Mark Rylance in Jerusalem on the weekend.

She lives. Actually got up, dressed and walked to Kurk Grill to get some peri peri chicken and Mediterranean salad.

About a 5 block walk. Like the place. Good food, good service. Got a chicken breast wrap, corn on the cob and the salad.

Dinner eaten.

My host just walked in the door.

Day is done.

Sore throat gone. No AC in room tonight. Going with open windows. Its 8:30pm and 71.

So glad you're feeling better, Claudia. Thank you for all the updates even when energy isn't on your side.

Enjoying reading along about your adventures!
Glad your sore throat is gone.
I need some of whatever vitamins you are taking, as I run out of energy in London.
Certainly couldn't keep up with you.
Thanks for your great ongoing trip report!

Love your trip report! I did get to visit England for most of June with delightful weather and a great Jubilee weekend in London. I sometimes feel guilty about trying to get back to the UK more than once a year, but you make me feel that I should. Just booked for March 2023 using CC points to cross the pond and plan for a June 2023 stay in the country somewhere on a canal boat.

Margaret

Morning. 6:44am here. Sitting on my friends couch. Caught her before her driver picked her up. Settled weekend plans. I’ll be going to set with her on Sunday “ we are filming at some famous building in the city, you’ll know it,” so I’m curious to see if I do.

Cold is with me but have Kleenex and throat lozenges. My colds have a path they take. Sore throat, ear aches first day, then it moves to my chest. I’ll sound like Talulah Bankhead for the next 48 hours. Then the sneezing and I’ll be done. Thankfully I’ll not have need to chat with anyone except when ordering food and drink.

Off to the Shoreditch neighborhood today. Going to meander and see wall murals. Will probably pop into Spitalfields.

No theatre tonight. No reason to push myself.
Tomorrow the play Jerusalem.

On Sunday after watching filming in the building I’m supposed to recognize we will head across the River to Winkles for Oysters.

Weather is stellar. Outside now a mere 60 but getting into high 70’s by late afternoon. By that time I’ll be having a pint at my local. Must see Rudi the pub dog.
.
Thank you all for your kind remarks and good wishes. More later. TGIF

10:27pm London Time. Been in bed for about 40 minutes, updating my Instagram account.

Day started early. I was in Shoreditch by 8:30am. Perfect time to go. As the bus stop to Clapham Junction isn’t 200 yards away from my friend’s front door, went early and hopped on the 33 bus. From Clapham Junction took the Overground toward Dalston Junction and got off at Shoreditch High Street. Its was 7:30am. Turned right out the station and walked into the graffitied underpass. Strolled about the streets admiring the art work. At 8am a coffee joint opened. OAT. Good coffee with oat milk. Ordered a take away.

Must say this entire area has gentrified. Part of me preferred the grunge but things change, especially neighborhoods. Happens everywhere.

Enjoyed the street art. Was to meet a friend at Leicester Square so hopped on a Central Line train.
Got my wires crossed, missed my friend, so walked into Chinatown. Had a pleasant lunch ( sweet and sour shrimp ) at the Old Tree Daiwan Bee on Rupert Street. Perfect choice. Left there. Snapped iphone photos. Walked to Piccadilly Circus station. Took a Central Line train to Hammersmith where I boarded a District Line train to Richmond. Walked “home.”

Good day out except for not seeing my friend. Pleasant weather. Mid 70’s.

Tomorrow sleep in. 1:30pm matinee of Jerusalem. Its runs 3 hours so dinner somewhere after.

Sleeping in is not part of my being. Too many years of having to be on location to welcome the catering truck at 4am. Besides you can tell when its 6am in Richmond as flights are allowed to land at LHR at that time. Richmond is directly below the flight path.

Yep full on cold. Got the Talulah Bankhead voice, sniffles. I’ll get some Day Quill and be right as rain. Think I might even some in my toiletry bag.

Seated outside on my friend’s patio. 84 predicted today. Lovely out. Who knew I’d get a tan in London but I have.

Loved my wander about yesterday. Shoreditch then central London. City in full swing. Tourists everywhere. Lots of iphone pics for my Instagram.

Slept in. Ha was awake at 5am.

Did Wordle. Updated Instagram. Took cold medicine. Made tea. Checked the news. Had a piece of toast with raspberry jam.

My host actually did sleep in till 8am.

At 11am walked to Richmond Station. District Line train to Barons Court. Switch to Piccadilly Line train to Leicester Square. Cocktail at The Blue Posts. Doors to the Apollo Theatre opened at 12:45pm. Performance was at 1:30pm. 3 hour show. 2 breaks.
Balcony, Section B m, Row B, seats 20 & 21. I’m short so I leaned on the railing through out the performance.

Mark Ryland was brilliant as Rooster. Sold out house. It was a matinee performance and it stuns me to believe he’s on stage again now ( 8:13pm) for the evening performance. Stamina and love of his craft must keep him focused.

Throughly enjoyed the play.

As its Saturday tube trains were jammed. Twice in Leicester Square offered and took pics of fellow yanks and Korean tourists standing with Darth Vader. All i could think of was how hot that poor person was inside the costume.

Hopped on a Piccadilly tube at Leicester Square. Tubed to Earl’s Court, got off, used escalator up then waited 5 minutes and took a District Line train to Richmond. As its Saturday tube trains were jammed both ways.

Here’s a bit of advice. Forget Earl’s Court if you need to change to a District Line train. Barons Court sooo much easier.

My cold remains. Thankfully Day Quill helps to curtail the sniffling and coughing. Per usual I brought a-lot of pocket sized Kleenex packets. Thank you 99 Cent store!!!

Walking back from Richmond Station stopped at our
“ local “ The Mitre. Had Edgar’s fabulous pizza, enjoyed cocktails but the real reason was to see Rudi, the sweetest ever pub dog. Never begs. Or barks. Loves belly rubs. Sweetest face. Cocker Spaniel. Sat under our patio table the entire time we were there. No begging just chilling.

Tomorrow is final full day. Going to visit the set of the show my friend is producing….yes, they do work weekends.

Was hot today. Got up 83. Never saw AC in the Apollo but was perfectly comfortable throughout the lengthy performance.

I’m pooped. My friend went upstairs to call her husband back in the states. I know that call ended long ago. I know she’s fallen asleep. Her 16-18 hour days have worn her down. The heat wave hasn’t helped. Caught her a couple of times nodding off in the play.

I’m going to upload Instagram pics and call it a night as well. Sun has set. Enjoy the slight cross breeze wafting through the living room.

DQ

Not a big sports fan but yes, I love my Red Sox and my Patriots also. But, Hook em Horns!

I will keep your suggestions in mind.

I forgot about the departure taxes but it is much less money to book round trip from Austin to London and back. One way is shockingly expensive.

I believe that I can not fly directly from Lisbon to Austin. I have to go through London. Being that you are in DFW, you have more options when it comes to plane travel. Austin is finally getting more and better international travel but still lacking.

I will probably be booking through American which will put me on British Air. I have a credit card with American and earn rewards plus can use some of my rewards.

I did a mock booking and the round trip fare was decent. I think that it included any departure taxes.

Bostonphil you know you can Personal Message DQ.
Better than hitchhiking on my original post.

The RS forum isn’t Facebook.

Just saying cuz could care less about Sox (red or white).

SF Giants fan since their move from NY to SF in 57. Predestined as Mr Mays and I share the same birthday.

So changed my mind and didn’t go to set. Preferred to stay outside on the patio sunning, replying to texts and emails, checking Instagram and reading The Forum.

Pleasant 70 degrees already. Not even 9am.

Breakfast is going to be reliving college days. Cold Pizza.

1pm non stop flight tomorrow LHR to LAX. I’ll taxi home.

Quiet Sunday. Amen.

Has your friend revealed the location of her recognizable set location? Do tell what’s filming and where. We are on the coast now but will be in London August 1-9.

Mona, I’ll ask but honestly I bet she’ll not know.

As i often remind her….

Once when flying LAX to LHR in first class a small dog came down the aisle and leapt into her lap. Shortly after a man appeared and instead of apologizing grabbed the dog and loudly said “ what are you doing with my dog?”

As he walked away a flight attendant appeared and said to her “Sorry but Kevin Spacey has to be the rudest actor. “

My friend works in the business. Produced the biggest show on TV ( Game of Thrones) and yet, did not recognize him. I remain bemused.

So I might email the production designer for the answer.

And the answer is Goldsmiths Hall. Using interior rooms.

Show will air in 2023 on Netflix.

Thanks for the reveal Claudia. Have an uneventful flight home tomorrow!

Thanks Mona.

Plan to be at Heathrow 3 hours before my flight. Always do carry on. The best way to travel.

I’ll miss reading your real-time daily reports… can you keep going with them after you get back home? Kidding. Love your writing style.

Once when flying LAX to LHR in first class a small dog came down the aisle and leapt into her lap. Shortly after a man appeared and instead of apologizing grabbed the dog and loudly said “ what are you doing with my dog?”
As he walked away a flight attendant appeared and said to her “Sorry but Kevin Spacey has to be the rudest actor. “

I'm curious as to how he was allowed his dog in the cabin. What was the airline? I know BA and Virgin have strict policies that only accredited service dogs are allowed in the cabin, all other pets inluding 'emotional support animals' have to travel in the hold.

I really do hope that it wasn't because he was a 'celebrity'.

Susan your post made me LOL. Thank you.

I’m seated on the couch at my friends home in Richmond air drying my wet hair. Been awake since 3am. Awoke wondering “ where is my global entry card?”

Got up, rummaged through my neatly packed luggage and backpack.

Couldn’t find it.

Pause.

Think.

“Ah yes, its in your neck wallet with your passport you twit!”

Panic ended. Repacked luggage. Trundled downstairs to have a cuppa.

Taxi 9:25am

Flight 1pm.

Leaving high 80’s here. Returning to higher temps in the Land of La.

Thankful I have AC!!!!

JC it was because he was a celebrity and it was American Airlines.

LHR checkin wasn’t too bad. For a 1pm flight I arrived at 10:30am. Extremely long line outside Terminal 3 which Virgin Airlines shares with Delta. The line was for the Delta flight….have no clue why but after a Virgin Airlines employee handed out water bottles
( much appreciated ) another VA employee came outside, walked up to me and asked “ carry on? “

“ Yes” I replied. “Follow me.” Off we went up an escalator to a security line. I got in it. Took about 25 minutes to get to the luggage scanners. I got a bit annoyed by an older couple in front of me flying the
“ islands” who brought everything but the kitchen sink….they were unloading all sorts of liquids as I passed them by….

Wait…my gate has been announced. Have to sprint…

Made it in 12 minutes without hurrying. At the gate
( 19 ) seated. Hopeful my seat mate ( only one seat to my right ) isn’t a talker.

Oh its interesting. One can tell we are flying to LA and that after 30 years in the biz I can spot folks. Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street ) is on the flight. Flying Upper Class of course.

Pleased many passengers are masked. I am. Plane cabins are nothing but flying petrie dishes.

Farewell my favorite city on the planet. Till the morrow mind how you go.

I have so enjoyed reading your posts this trip. Pre-covid we were traveling regularly and London was one of our top spots. We haven't been able to go and now it looks like we may be indefinitely grounded. So your walks around the neighborhoods, stops for coffee and sandwiches, random observations, are so welcome. It's almost like being there. I'll have to look for your Instagram. Thanks for sharing your trip!

Home. Heathrow painless. Flight fine. Watched Mark Rylance in The Outfit ( had never heard of the film) and throughly enjoyed it. Also watched Ambulance enjoying all the LA Locations used in the film.

Heat wave in LA so my 3rd floor West facing apartment was a sauna when I unlocked the door. My 19 year old gato splayed on the floor. Started her chastising chatter as soon as I walked in the door. Meowing ceased once she got treats.

Very tired so not going to wrap up my trip report until tomorrow or maybe Wednesday.

Just 8pm and I’m fading.

Later…..

I don’t want it to end but Welcome Back.

The problem with crashing at 8pm is you wake up at 1:30am Pacific Standard Time. About 10am in the UK.

I’ll live.

Got some jazz playing, drinking ice water and just went through my mail. A few bills. The rest of no importance.

Good to be home even with the heat. My few hours of slumber were comfortable thanks to my AC unit. Got window open now. A mere 67 outside.

I’m taking a Covid test later. Most people wore masks on the plane but many didn’t.

Two screeching children made the Premium cabin of the plane hell. Parents tried but the 2 year old and 1 year just loved wailing and throwing tantrums. No matter how often they were coddled and carried.

10 hours folks. 10 hours! Could even hear them with ear buds while watching movies.

I’m going to share the blissful advantage of Global Entry with you. If you travel investigate buying into it.
Foe me worth every penny to avoid the immigration madness at LAX!

Got off the plane and started the long walk to immigration. At one point you’ll see overhead signage US Passport Holders / EU Passport Holders and Global Entry. With GE you by pass the long lines cueing to speak with a immigration passport agent
( theres never enough) . Instead theres a roped off area with machines, ( maybe 12,) you stand in front of it, take off your glasses, your photo snapped and the word PROCEED pops up. As you walk out of the area theres a human checking his iPad. My guy said

“Welcome back Miss Claudia.”

Then it’s time for the restroom. There’s a hidden one in the baggage claim area that I discovered last trip so used it then headed outside. Was 10 minute wait for shuttle bus to taxi stand area. Another 10 minutes for that. Taxi line was short and i was in a cab in 2 minutes heading home.

Its was 5:30pm or there bouts. Monday commuter traffic so we stayed off the freeways and took a way I was taught when I first moved to LA. Still good. Was home in Hollywood in 45 minutes. With tip. $75 fare. Like everything else these days no cash ( even though I brought some for this exact reason) Paid via tap and go.

So now I can use the money to buy much needed groceries!!!

Have finished rummaging through the mail. Did my taxes late this year. Got a whopping $6.81 from the late great state of CA and $32.48 from Uncle Sam. Wahoo!

Hope Mr Bill, my mode of transport, turns over this morning. As a Californian I love that here in the Land of La grocers open at 6am. Yep me and the shelf stockers. Need bread, milk, fruit, hamburger, tomatoes and some Cheerios! Going with tacos for tonights dinner!

My 19 year gato has finally quieted down now that she had her treats and fresh water. She was it a bit of a frenzy earlier. Kitty Alzheimers.

Haven’t unpacked. Will get to it. No rush.

Thanks to all who posted. Appreciated it.

Welcome home, Claudia. I have so enjoyed your wonderful reports. I hope to be in England in September and am literally counting the days. I loved your mention of how your cat responds. My darling little Pyewackit with whom I lived until she was almost 21 greeted me the same way after my trips. She would follow me around chittering at me in displeasure for the 1st hour or so, then she would climb into my emptied suitcase as if to say, "Try to leave me now."

Thank you Laurie Beth. Bell, Book and Candle….re Pywacket. Miss Emma Peel has calmed and settled. Beside me on the bed as I tap out this post on my iPhone.

London will be lovely in September! Bravo!

I have foraged. 6am rdtrip drive to Pavilions supermarket ( love that it opens at 6am ) and back home to crank on my window AC unit. Mid 80’s predicted for LA today. Heat rises. My 3rd floor apartment faces West and at around 2pm would be a sauna without it. Until I bought it I would hop in the shower in boxer shorts and a tee shirt to remain cool.
Ah the good ole days!

Little sleep as body can’t figure out if it wants to be on London or Land of La time.

Thankfully in retirement my time is my time so I can flounder about.

Time for Wordle

Already looking forward to your next trip… don’t tell Miss Emma Peel.

Welcome home, Claudia! Glad things went smoothly at both airports for you.
Hopefully you can relax and catch up on sleep.
I'm sure you're already planning your next trip to England.

Claudia, when I grow up I want to be you. I can't wait for my first month-long visit to London sometime in the future.

Welcome home, Claudia! I love your trip reports and boy do I miss London. We have the same taste in snacks. I love me some Walkers cheese and onion chips. Why can’t Lays make this flavor??? I was in Greece in April and was so happy to have found them there😊

Body still not adjusted to West Coast US time. Its 12:30am. Have slept but not in a proper time frame.

Thankfully I have cable so been catching up on The Old Man via On Demand. I’ve also watched one of my top 10 favorite film classics, the King and I. Now at 1:27am I’m watching Alfred Hitchcock on the MeTV Channel. A good one with Barbara Bel Geddes.

El gato has ceased her chastisement. She’s sound asleep taking up most of the bed. Totally sated with treats and many many pets.

Its true, I do hope to return to London later this year. Maybe another Christmas. Haven’t decided. Won’t have free room and board if I do though. That’s ok because Premier Inns are fine. They are in different neighborhoods so I’d pick one in an area I’m unfamiliar with and would like to explore OR try the one I saw in Shoreditch OR return to the Chiswick one….OR….

Decisions. Decisions.

I have options.

Glad you got home safe. Enjoyed reading your reports.

Well now I know why my sleep pattern is off.

I have Covid.

Frustrating.

Claudia,

Sorry to hear that you have Covid…

Any ideas where you were exposed to the virus?
The airport, the airplane?

Thanks for your daily reports, I enjoyed reading about all your adventures!

I hope you recover soon.

Claudia,
Sorry to hear that you have Covid!
I hope you get lots of rest and feel better soon.

Sorry to hear this, Claudia. I hope you feel better very soon.

I'll be interested to hear where you think you got it. We got Covid last month on our England trip. Going back tomorrow and were hoping we're immune, but now we're hearing about a new variant ....

Really sorry Claudia. Feel better soon.

Thanks all.

If you recall I mentioned getting a cold early in my stay. I can only ponder ….cold or covid.

Who knows?

EDIT:
changed the title but left my commentary in the England Forum

Darn. Hope you’re feeling better every day.

Claudia, i thought the same. But like you said, who knows.

So sorry to hear you have Covid, hope you feel better soon.

Oh, no. I hope your symptoms are mild and at least you can now recover at home.

Claudia, I was there at the same time . Sorry I missed you

Hope you stayed healthy Joel and enjoyed the great weather!

My Covid symptoms of tiredness abated yesterday.

Slept soundly until a neighbor phoned me at 5am. No biggie as I was already up. Long story short she was calling to tell me that the driver side window to my vehicle had been smashed in. I knew who had done it….we have private ungated parking adjacent to our building. Occasionally people will park there. So day before I asked a couple who had obviously slept over night in their car with their dogs to move.
Private property, etc. 30 something male didn’t like being told what to do by a female, let alone one old enough to be his grandmother. Do I have proof? No.
Am I 100% sure? YES. Does LAPD care? No. Waited 2.5 hours for them to show to make a police report ONLY to be informed. New policy. You fill out report on line. Tried 3 times and each time the report would not accept street address OR the closest intersection. Gave up.

My insurance is $500 deductible. Mobile Window replacement company arrived. New window. $275.00…

You may ask why I’m 100% certain. Because that vehicle sat next to my apartment building the entire time I was in London. Never touched. Alarmed. Yes. Downstairs neighbors never bothered calling or knocking on my door when window was smashed Sigh. I still have the concrete block that was used. Its on the passenger side floor.

From experience I’d photoed the guys license plate and his entire vehicle before I tapped on their window to ask them to move. Guy’s companion was shaking and holding her head down while I was speaking to him. She was frightened and I almost asked if she was okay, but didn’t. In hindsight wished I had. If he’d turn violent like that because he felt disrespected by me imagine what she deals with.

Couldn’t sleep this morning so at 3:30am chose to drive around. Drove south to Melrose Ave and turned West. Followed Melrose to La Brea and turned North. Then East on Hollywood Boulevard. Then back South and turned onto Sunset. Snapped countless iPhone pics for my Instagram account. Stopped at Pavilions market to refill gallon Crystal Geyser water bottles. Then drove to an open 24 hour car wash and used quarters to use vacuum to get more shattered pieces of the window that were under the driver’s seat.

Did Wordle in 4. Lazy Sunday. 68 outside. Nice cool cross breeze going.

Claudia,
Sorry to hear that your car window got smashed.
Unbelievable! Some people are so vengeful!
Hard to believe that the police was not willing to take a report.

Priscilla….LAPD no longer takes reports by Mayoral dictate. Victim is responsible for doing it online. Complete joke of course. Then again who wants to take responsibility for anything these days.

Frustrating reality of today’s society.

Damn your window was smashed.
Welcome to the good ol’ US.

Claudia: what car service do you use...the driver who picked you up at LHR?

Carole the car service that picked me up was my friend’s private driver. She’s a producer for Netflix.

On my return to LHR booked an Addison Lee cab.

Claudia, add me as a fan of your reports of London and all it has to offer. Having visited there 3 times, my flight home has me planning a return trip in my head. I, too, watched Mark Rylance in The Outfit recently on a DFW/Sea flight. I recommend this film. Few actors and easy to keep up with each character and relevance to the story. Speedy recovery from COVID.

Thanks Val.

My recovery from the Covid virus was speedy. 3 days of exhaustion, lots of sleep. Then awoke and felt fine.

I still wear a mask when I go out. To the grocers, to the pharmacy, to Tommy’s for a chili cheese burger.

Mark Rylance is a very talented actor. The film The Outfit an unsuspected surprise as I’d not heard of it. If flying and its offered it’s definitely worth your time.

I'm glad you're feeling better... better take it steady for a couple of days anyway...

Thanks Nigel.

Off shortly to enjoy a pre dawn hike in nearby Griffith Park. Presently enjoying a Peter Gunn on the MeTv channel. Love Craig Stevens and the classic Henry Mancini theme.