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London’s Final Update… For Now!

  • February 11, 2025
  • KK

London Update: End of January

After a whirlwind of activity and visitors pre-Christmas, Jack and I settled back into our daily routine. However, that didn’t last long! My good friend and exceptional tour guide from Italy, Mario Baas, came for a few days. It was such a different experience with me now being his tour guide. Jack and I had tickets for Mamma Mia the day Mario got in, but we were able to score another one for Mario. We thought we’d go for a little Italian dinner close to our theatre, but unfortunately, the restaurant we chose—Cicchetti— was subpar. The Italian in me was embarrassed to offer Mario such mediocre food. But we made up for that when we got to the theatre and found we were upgraded to better seats, front and center. Although I have seen the show at least eight times (maybe more), I was excited to see it again and share my favourite West End play with them since they had never seen it before. The musical did not disappoint! I love all the costumes and the music. I can’t believe some of those outfits worn in the late 70s and 80s! Next up on the itinerary was my London Icon Walk. We began with the Changing of the Guard; it was amazing actually to witness the whole shebang without the hordes of tourists—it was also quite chilly and wet! We grabbed a hot drink at the café in St. James’ Park, and Mario went immediately for a brownie. I told him not to waste his time or calories as it wouldn’t be very good, but he really liked it. Of course, this made me want to show him how good a proper American brownie would be. (Of course, I made brownies that night, and he ate all four I brought him the next day).  After warming up in the café, we headed for a pub lunch of Fish & Chips at The Old Star near Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately, for Mario (who had never had the dish), it was the worst ever.  Hard, chewy, and untraditional breading. At least he really enjoyed Westminster Abbey and the history behind it. After a short stop to admire Big Ben, we crossed Westminster Bridge and on to my Southbank Walk to Tower Bridge. All in all, it was a great day, and I truly enjoyed being his tour guide!

Mamma Mia Finale
Mario and KK
Westminster Abbey
Pub Call with Mario

A few days later, daughter Sarah and a few of her friends popped in for a WEEKEND from Houston! Unbelievable. Oh, to be young again and with all the energy! Sarah planned to come a day early (Thursday) to spend some time with us before Allie and Lacey came in on Friday. Unfortunately, she fell ill and was lucky to make it on the plane, thus her time with us was spent sleeping on the sofa all day! The good news—she rallied by the time the other girls came in and was raring to show her friends London.  After a beautiful morning run in Hyde Park with Jack, all my visitors get treated to a visit to our old flat on Green St., the new Mercato Mayfair (the old church at the end of our street that was bought and completely refurbished to its original state—albeit with a fancy food court and a gin and beer bar at the altar!, and a dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in Mayfair—Delfino’s. It was their first time in the city for both. Lucky for them, I am great at planning a one or two-day London itinerary. Everyone was up early Saturday for KK’s London Icon Walk—from Westminster to Tower Bridge via the Southbank. Later, after a quick clean up and change, we were off for drinks at the Coal Hole (pub at the Savoy), Curry dinner, and then espresso martinis at Mr. Fogg’s Society of Exploration. It happened to be Burns night (Scotland’s Poet Lauriat), and the whole bar was treated to a bagpiper and a reading of one of his poems. Jack and I let the girls party on, but the old folks headed back to the flat for some well-needed sleep. Sunday was another early day to see the Changing of the Guard and a quick trip to the V&A museum—my favourite! A brisk walk in the mists of London, and we arrived at Kensington Palace and the Orangery for afternoon tea. I think the girls now understand my love of scones and clotted cream! Not that we needed more food, but we ended up having Thai food that evening at a great pub, The Heron. The next morning, the girls were up early for a sunrise run with Jack in Regent’s Park, and ready to return to Houston.

Arriving London
Carnaby Street
Stop at Sarah's Old Home
Hyde Park Run
Tourists on Icon Walk
Sarah with M&D
Society of Exploration
Afternoon Tea
Regent's Park Sunrise Run

Now, we had exactly four days to clean our rental flat, pack everything we owned (here in London), and prepare for our trip to the Middle East. Packing was a bit taxing for me—we arrived with 1 large, 2 medium, and 2 carry-on suitcases. Unfortunately, we had accumulated a few items during our 8-month journey, so I needed to find room for them in one of our suitcases. On top of that, I had purchased a few necessities for our flat along with the ubiquitous shopping trolley, which was stuffed to overflowing. Our wonderful landlord, Eric, agreed to hold our suitcases and everything I could fit in the trolley at his flat around the corner until we returned from the Middle East. When I come back for 3 months this summer, I will retrieve it and have everything ready for my next flat. Next up was our 7.5-hour journey to Dubai out of LHR.

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3 Responses

  1. Scott Gregory says:
    February 16, 2025 at 10:35 pm

    Loved reading these during your trip and look forward to watching “The Imitation Game”

    Reply
  2. Joe & Beth Parrino says:
    February 11, 2025 at 5:32 pm

    Trip to the Middle East? Was thinking about giving Jack a shout, thought you’d be back in Houston on 1-Feb (or thereabouts). He’d mentioned Oman since it’s not part of the EU. Looking forward to another great Blog from wherever you are. Safe Safe and ENJOY!!

    Reply
  3. Jan says:
    February 11, 2025 at 3:40 pm

    whewwww…makes me tired just reading it! Great descriptions! Makes me feel like I am there.

    Reply

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  • karenkstuart@gmail.com
  • Home
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    • Updates from the Edge
      • Carnoustie – Long Journey Home
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    • Croatia
      • Croatia: Rovinj, Porec & Pula
    • France
      • The Dordogne: Beynac-et-Carzenac & Outdoor Activities
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    • Germany
      • Christmas in Garmisch, Germany
      • Christkindl Markts
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      • London Update Two
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      • Orkney Islands
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      • The Dordogne: Beynac-et-Carzenac & Outdoor Activities
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      • Christmas in Garmisch, Germany
      • Christkindl Markts
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