London Via Where?

Air France, City Jet and KLM

Oh My!

Days 9-10

Day 9:

We allowed a lot of time at Dublin's airport due to my injured foot. It paid off. 

We'd originally booked a City Jet codeshare on Air France that flew direct from Dublin to (wonderfully close-in) London City Airport. 

And that was all fine until City Jet cancelled our direct flight and since Air France held the actual ticket they responded with a new KLM routing through Amsterdam. 

So, on crutches the new flight (with a tight connection in Amsterdam) was a pretty unwelcome complication. Then the KLM flight departed quite late from Dublin which now started making things complicated.

To their credit KLM worked to arrange a special transfer for me, but all the flights were city hoppers and used air stairs. Ugh.

Amazingly we made it to the connector flight, but sadly our luggage spent a night in the land of tulips.

We caught an uber from the airport to our AirBNB which sailed by Wembley Stadium, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Royal Horticulture Society Chelsea Flower Show (for which we have tickets on Friday). The Union Jack was at half staff everywhere we went in tribute to the Manchester victims. London's streets and tourist sites were full of soldiers in Camo carrying machine guns. Even the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace was cancelled to release the soldiers that normally manage the event to guard other landmarks.

Flags Lowered Over The Houses of Parliament

Upon arrival at AirBNB Number 2, we realized that while it resides in a perfect location it no longer looked as pristine as its profile photos. Overgrown garden, stained carpets. And, lots of narrow little stairs. So I guess we are 50/50 on success with AirBNB; one very superb, the other pretty average.

Day 10:

We spent got up early to track and wait KLM to deliver our luggage. But, by noon we had the bags and ubered to Victoria Station to pick up our tickets at the Apollo Victoria Theater (right across the street from Victoria Station) for Wicked. We then caught a hop on / hop off bus to squeeze in a little sightseeing before the play.

A Timely Message Left at Waterloo Station

I'd reserved a pre-show dinner at Kazan (Ottoman food). It turned out to be a wonderful dinner. I cannot remember ever having lamb prepared so wonderfully; moist, delicately flavored and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

My Lamb Shish at Kazan

Then it was off to Wicked. I guess I'm the only one in the universe who has not seen this Wicked. It was great, complete with spectacular staging and lots of beautiful music.

The Set for Wicked

Tomorrow will be a full day beginning at Westminster Abbey and our second play. Kinky Boots.

Roadboy's Travels © 2017