The Big Trip… Part 1
The Big Trip – London, Paris, Rome, and Parts Unknown Pt. 1
The perfect vacation for busy overachievers – FIRST STOP LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
I’m amazed at how easy it is to relax when you have the time to do so. I’ll be the first to admit, we rarely relax. More than anything we believe in using your downtime to be productive and with so many personal and professional projects happening, in one year, its difficult to take time off! So I made it a priority last year for us to do this. Decided on a budget, gave myself a currency buffer and moved forward with plans to London.
Let me tell you, not feeling rushed does wonders for your spirit. Just taking your time, going where you want to go, eating gelato/sorbet because why not, and taking afternoon naps with extreme joy! Aside from the oppressive humidity, it’s been a joy to spend this downtime with my love in Rome. Although, out of every place we went, London was my favorite! It should not have taken me so long to visit there. Now we’re figuring out when to go back, lol! Vacation can be anywhere as long as it’s where you want to be! Also, big props to my love, Sheldon, for being a trooper on our adventures overseas! It takes a special kind of man to handle “trip mode” me! Also 12,000 steps on average per day for 6 of 7 days is freaking impressive! Now I’d like to rest a bit in my own bed, under my own covers. But first, the highlights
The Hotel
London (8/31-9/4): The Corinthia Hotel– Absolutely beautiful hotel, perfectly appointed furnishings, and incredible service! Our stay at the Corinthia while in London on holiday was excellent from start to finish. The room was perfect with the King size bed (which is not the norm overseas) and the heated bathroom floor, with the rain shower feature made our stay incredibly comfortable. We even had a delicious impromptu afternoon tea on Sunday and utilized both the gym and sauna. ESPA inside the Corinthia is also top notch spa, try the Balinese massage =heaven! We left with nothing but high marks for the hotel and the extremely helpful concierge who located an after hours dinner spot on a Sunday (The Duck and Waffle)! Views from the 40th floor at The Duck and Waffle (which yes that is the delicious signature dish) were amazing as expected. Luxury, location, and posh services are the essence of the hotel that sits on it’s own block across from the Thames River. We were able to walk less than a block to the tube (subway) and about the same distance to the river cruise. Both modes of transportation came in handy during our stay in London.
While there we caught the Thames River Clippers River Bus Express to the O2 for Kevin Hart’s “Irresponsible Tour”. The O2 Arena is a massive indoor entertainment complex with restaurants and for this particular comedy show, it was packed and sold-out! Our seats were on the floor 3 rows from the stage, but we couldn’t even take pictures. They were filming and were very serious about the no pictures, cameras, filming rule. Some people got kicked out, so we took it to heart. It was a funny show and we just made the last river bus express back to the dock! None of the excursions either by river boat or by cap cost much at all to my enjoyment. Budgeting transportation expenses can sometimes be the most difficult part of a trip.
However, we had so many options including the London Tube, we took to reach the Science museum which was free to enter and only asked for a donation if you had it. It was multiple floors and had everything a science, engineering, and space enthusiast would enjoy.
There were many more stops during our days in London, but another one of my favorites was the Theater district and Piccadilly Circus area. Of course we had to stop by the Harry Potter and the cursed child Palace theater location (see below), but tickets conflicted with another event! Drat!! I did pick up several souvenirs at the expansive locations that held never before seen in the U.S. items! I would return just to bring back more of those!
The Food
Oh, did I mention the food?! Yes the good stuff was everywhere. Here are some pics from the variety of places we stopped by. We missed out on having some “bubble tea” because I despise lines that wrap outside. Next time, maybe, but back to the meat!!
The steak was from this amazing restaurant called STK London and we were pleasantly surprised at how much fun we had with an upscale restaurant and 80s music! It was a memorable experience to say the least!
Honestly, if you’ve stuck around for this much, thank you! It’s impossible to list every experience including the fact we happened to be there during perfect 70 degree weather, after an apparently very hot summer! Possibly the warmest on record per some Londoners.
London is a shoppers treat and that alone is a post of it’s own! Just know if you decide to visit London, unless you’re an actual curmudgeon, you will enjoy every moment!
Cheers mates!