Mind The Gap
While nitwits blather about life "Returning to Normal" (please define "normal" anymore?) after Covid, our theme for this trip is not about returning to anything, it is about celebrating that "Life Goes On"!
The Back Story
My long-time (since age 13!) friend, and amazing chef, Dorothy and I have talked for years about making a trip to her beloved Greece. For her it as all about family memories. For me, Greece has always had a spot on my bucket list.
Now, finally our planets have aligned.
Planning in earnest began more than a year ago. And trip planning these days consists of a lot of wet fingers held to the wind. First there is timing. When will countries be able to reduce Covid restrictions? When is the weather good, yet not overly crowded?
Everything these days requires hope and a lot of luck. But perhaps, more than anything, timing this year stands firmly atop the hard work of healthcare workers and the scientists who developed a miracle vaccine.
Additional good luck came when my daughter was also able to join us (after making a publishing deadline on her newest graphic novel).
Timing also synched with removal of UK and Greek access restrictions.
Although our destination is Greece, I suggested that our first leg be a flight from Phoenix to London. This prompts a reader's logical question "Why begin a trip to in Greece via London?"
Short answer: to support American's new non-stop Phoenix to Heathrow service and reduce our jet lag. Despite our position as fifth largest population center in the nation, the Valley of the Sun has only one other flight to Europe. We need more.
I am happy to report the flight was smooth and punctual. American flew equipment that was spacious, modern, and clean. But, it did come with a (nearly unforgivable?) sin. On a 10 hour long-haul flight the in-flight entertainment system has to work. Period. Full Stop.
Anyway, the plan was to enjoy a few days in London and burn some jet lag before flying on to Athens. The time difference from Phoenix to London is 8 hours. From Phoenix to Greece it is 10 hours. Plus, anyone that knows me knows I need no excuse to visit the UK.
We booked a London AirBNB hosted by John and (his trusty dachsund) Biscuit. Our hosts and accommodations were perfect.
After many visits to London our itinerary was purposely loose: a little exploring, a visit to Harrod's food halls, a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Tea at Sketch, and hopefully a west end play.
Happy to report all were accomplished! On the sightseeing front we began with a purchase of an Oyster card and a double decker bus ride to Trafalger Square. At TS we contemplated the fourth plinth (now adorned by Heather Phillipson's "The End"). This twisted little confection is a big dollop of whipped cream crowned with a big old cherry on top. But, as you walk around it, you note a drone and huge fly in the cream of dystopia. The End also video records all visitors. What is it with the Brits and cameras EVERYWHERE?
Choosing to ignore the intentional symbolism that will have art scholars contemplating forever, we marched on.
Our walks over the days in London took us up The Mall, on to Westminster Abby and into Harrods (to introduce our chef companion the Food Halls). I was surprised to see that Harrods has spent the past four years (and $421M) upgrading the halls. The new digs are now all on the ground floor now. The newest to open is the new Chocolate Hall. While still over the top, I admit to missing Harrods venerable old basement food halls.
Here are some photos captured on our strolls (I'll edit separate posts on our tea at Sketch and the visit to the V&A).
Caviar Anyone?
Endless Pastry Options
Come From Away
Having been mesmerized by the AppleTV+ presentation of Come From Away, I knew I wanted to experience it live. So we selected it as our play to see this trip and it turned out to be a joyous celebration of human triumph over adversity. The show brought the whole house to its feet for multiple ovations. If you have not experienced this wonderful event, do it.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Clearly a lot of of production dollars went into staging the Harry Potter play! I'll put it on the "maybe next trip category".
I always love walking The Mall and St. James Park. And it is just a leafy joy in springtime. The little whimsy garden at Duck Island is a pretty magical spot in the heart of such a bustling City. Having a place of delusion and fantasy such a short walk from number 10 Downing Street seems sort of symbiotic.
St James Park
Having a father in law enforcement and working with many police officers over the years, I am always interested to see how valor is memorialized around the world. London's memorial is particularly good. Here a book with names of officers killed in the line of duty is displayed near a lit pylon. Pages in the book are turned each day memorializing the names of officers that perished that specific day. It is just off The Mall (you can see the horse parade grounds just beyond).
Electric Car Charging
(located in curbside parking bollards)
Loved these electric car charging stations. So subtle and efficient. Much nicer than those awful Tesla tombstone charging stations we see in the US. Bring your own cord and top off your charge while parked.
Oligarch Row
Three cars parallel parked in a row. A Porsche in front of a Bentley, in front of a Ferrari. Across the street was perhaps the ugly stepsister to the lot; a primer black (I kid you not) Rolls Royce SUV. In my book, despite the pitiful wails of the 1%, here is conclusive proof the rich do not pay their fair share in taxes.
Roadboy's Travels © 2022
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