We’re heading to London soon. It’s a favorite city of ours and we’ve been many times. But this time, it’s different.
This time, we are going specifically to see the London Ritz do its magical overnight transformation for Christmas. I’m pretty excited about it, too. We got the idea from a documentary about it and here’sa snippet to see what i am talking about..
So it’s not exactly a London Christmas, too early—but many places will already be decorated, so we’ll get a feel for what the holiday will be like. Yes, despite the rain and damp. Despite the cold. That’s what we’re doing.
Packing is a bit of a challenge, due to the variety of things planned.
We’ve got a few other things on the agenda, too. I’ll be meeting a British girlfriend at Spitalsfields Market, a huge and lively place in East London for food, fashion, jewelry and all sorts of things. I’ve never been there and haven’t seen her in a few years. Wearing fleece lined leggings, for sure!
Some theatre on the agenda–three plays! Six, Tina and Witness for the Prosecution (because there are two lawyers among us). Our friends have gotten reservations at the exclusive Boodles Gentlemen’s Club for dinner. Founded in 1762 and very la-de-dah. And I’ve booked lunch at La Mia Mamma, one of the places Stanley Tucci raved about in his show on London’s Italian food. We’ll be fed by actual Italian nonnas.
A few other things, this quick week, like our favorite V&A museum. Oxford Street’s holiday lighting will be up. And the guys are heading off for Duxford and the Imperial War Museums. Which my husband says is the best testament to anti-war he’s ever been.
London Christmas. Or rather pre-Christmas. We’re so looking forward to it. Masked, of course. And we are vaxxed up. Girlfriend tells me that flu is a bigger problem right now than covid over there. We’re ready.
A follow up on masking… I’m currently in Japan for a quick nine days on the ground. My first visit. Masks are ubiquitous. Even wearing them outdoors, which I find is a bit of a stretch. But social distancing clearly marked, hand sanitizer pumps greeting you upon entering any building, thin plastic gloves to serve yourself at buffet lines, and plexiglass barriers even when sitting across from someone at a restaurant table. Facilities are spotless. The bullet train car was immaculate. Trash and litter on the sidewalks is nonexistent. Tokyo eliminated trash receptacles some years back, and now people take wrappers and other throwaways to their place of business or home for disposal.
Asians in general are ahead of the curve in protecting themselves. They’ve always masked in travel, for many years. Me and Asians, usually, on airplanes. But in the UK apparently the pandemic is “over.”
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Sounds fun and exciting!
That’s our hope and plan!
🎄A Fairy Tale Comes Alive!🎄
I love that the decorating is done throughout the night!🌚🌘🌓
The video is delightful!
Thanks for sharing.
Bon Voyage!🎄🍀🌎
I’ll tell you all about it in Dec!
Have a wonderful time!!! xoxoxo
I’LL WAVE across the borders!
A follow up on masking… I’m currently in Japan for a quick nine days on the ground. My first visit. Masks are ubiquitous. Even wearing them outdoors, which I find is a bit of a stretch. But social distancing clearly marked, hand sanitizer pumps greeting you upon entering any building, thin plastic gloves to serve yourself at buffet lines, and plexiglass barriers even when sitting across from someone at a restaurant table. Facilities are spotless. The bullet train car was immaculate. Trash and litter on the sidewalks is nonexistent. Tokyo eliminated trash receptacles some years back, and now people take wrappers and other throwaways to their place of business or home for disposal.
Asians in general are ahead of the curve in protecting themselves. They’ve always masked in travel, for many years. Me and Asians, usually, on airplanes. But in the UK apparently the pandemic is “over.”
Safe travels to you; will love hearing about your adventures when you return.
Thank you so much, Alana!
Oh my goodness! This sounds like fun! What a wonderful adventure this will be!
We’re really looking forward to it.