Dec 29, 2009
After a night's stopover in San Francisco where we visited family, we made the long haul (but thankfully, direct) 11 hour flight to London. We arrived three hours before the flight at SFO expecting extremely long security lines, but in fact check in and security took less than 15 minutes.
United business class was not particularly good. We didn't get one of the newly outiftted planes, so the seats are not full flat, but instead are angled. The food was OK. We didn't get any sleep and arrived jetlagged.
Met at London Heathrow by a very interesting and talkative driver who pointed out sites as we made our way through the crazy London traffic to Hotel 41, just down the block from Buckingham Palace. The weather was gray and cold. We collapsed in our room and slept a few hours.
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Quilon
Dec 29, 2009
Fantastic, Michelin starred Indian restaurant just around the corner from our hotel. Given the quality of the food, which was some of the best we had the entire trip, it was very reasonably priced. Lamb in a pistachio curry, wonderfully spiced prawns, perfect scallops; just a world class meal from start to finish.
Wine list was less than stelar and the wine was served a bit warm. Service was very reserved almost to the point of rudeness, but the food was so good I didn't mind a bit.
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New Year's Eve Fireworks
Dec 31, 2009
Walked from our hotel a few blocks just in time to witness the midnight fireworks display over the Eye. Great production, lasted a long time. Right as it ended, it started to snow! We walked back through quiet streets in the snowfall past Buckingham Palace and it was really lovely. A nice way to kick off the New year!
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Phantom of the Opera
Jan 01, 2010
Snagged the last two seats at the last minute for Phantom at the Queen's Theatre. Michael had to sit behind a column. It was still an amazing production. Very initmate theatre with a great history.
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This is a fantastic little hotel in a great location just down the road from Buckingham Palace. It has a clubby, elegant, but still very friendly atmosphere. The room was a lovely two-story suite with a fireplace, lots of black and white and wood, and wonderfully cozy. We were located right next to the library/dining room, which had two fireplaces and lovely sitting areas for tea or meals. Our concierge arranged dinner out on two occasions, both of which were excellent suggestions. I got an affordable (for London) package through luxurylink.com.
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