Monday, May 9, 2011

London - May 6-12, 2011 - Posting One

It has been a long time since I've been overseas. I've spent the last six months working on my new condo. I will post condo pictures and maybe a video when I return to Orlando.

The flight was one of the best one's I've ever had on American Airlines. I can't remember having a fillet mignon perfectly done. There were also three wonderful flight attendants.

Upon arrival I took the Underground to my friends' train station. Unfortunately the first train had severe delays and I had to transfer after an hour. I changed to the Circle Line and then the First Capital Connect from St. Pancras Station. It took around two hours for the entire journey. When I arrived they had removed the pay phones, so I asked a nice lady to use here cell phone - oops, I mean mobile phone. Ann picked me up and I took a short nap.

I walked the property in the afternoon, as you can see from the following pictures. The garden is being planted and the spring flowers are abloom. Ann told me that a peacock had been spotted in the backyard.






That night it was off the The East, my favorite Chinese restaurant in London. The three of us ordered enough for six people, but we finished everything, including my favorite - aromatic crispy duck.

On Saturday I took the train into town to try to get tickets to see Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Musical. Yes I know I just saw it in NYC, but I love the musical. I was very fortunate that I got a ninth row center seat - it must have been a return, and I got it at a discount too. Again I highly recommend seeing the show - either in NYC or London. I can tell you that you will never see hotter men. They all have six packs to die for. Both versions were fantastic, but the actor who played Bernadette in London was amazing. I was sad when it ended.




I returned to Elstree and was greeted by Amber and Mark (Norman and Ann's daughter and future son-in-law). Tonight we were off to meet some friends - Carol and Jeff, who I had met at Alex and Tamsin's wedding three years ago (the son and daughter-in-law). We had Italian food and did not get home until almost 2am. I hope to visit Carol and Jeff when I visit Korea next year.

Oh, I forgot to mention, by now we probably have uncorked six or more bottles of champagne. Norman needs to drive to France to restock the wine cellar.



On Sunday I again returned to the city, this time to see the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of the Wizard of Oz, starring Michael Crawford. The show was fantastic, with amazing staging and special effects. The only disappointment was Michael Crawford as Professor Marvel and The Wizard. He was the least animated character in the show. They wrote about six new songs, and eliminated a few of the originals. Only a few of the new songs were on par with the old ones, in my opinion.



Back at the manor, we left for pizza night. Tonight we were joined by John and Manuela (friends from Switzerland) and Alex and Tamsin. Another night of too much food. I was so tired when we got home, I refused another glass of champagne.

It is now Monday and my day of rest. Tonight I'm making dinner - my famous spaghetti pie. I hope everyone likes it, I'll let you know on the second posting for this trip.

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