September 10, 2008

September 9, 2008

Monday, the Queen Mum invited us over to her cottage to show us around and watch some of her boys come to work.

The process was preceded by a contingent of 12 Cavalrymen making their way through the streets of London. The mounted soldiers, in full dress regalia polished to a high sheen were quite a sight. They were 20 or 30 feet away from us and even though the riders were all young kids, as they came by, the collective group projected an aura of total superiority. It’s no wonder the use of the Calvary in warfare was so effective. I can not image the thoughts of adversaries on foot who stood before them with a sword or rifle in hand knowing they might be able to deliver a single blow before they were ground into the earth.

In a way, connecting with the affluence and pageantry of a monarch is a little hard for a liberal. But, contemplating the longevity of the British and their enormous contributions, it’s good to see them continue with traditions that give us a glimpse back in time.

Almost all of the English people we have encountered have been very nice. However, they don’t seem to be a patient lot. Getting them to explain something or clarify a point is mostly met with a noticeable disdain. None the less, we’re getting along with them quite well. That is except walking on the sidewalks. London is a very busy, multi-national town. The streets are always crowded with cars, buses, bikes and motorcycles and the sidewalks filled with people that could pass for a United Nations Convention. As such, the pedestrians don’t always follow a set traffic pattern. It seems most of the local English want to walk on the left side just as they drive. You can tell who they are because they oppose our direction on the right side and do not freely yield. We keep getting these stares, like, “… what the hell is wrong with you, get to the left.”

Also, all the drivers are preparing for a spot on a LeMann’s race team which makes crossing the streets a real adrenalin rush, especially when you’re accustomed to looking left before you cross. On more than one occasion, I’ve looked left, saw there was no traffic, took a step off of the curb and, …woosh, I’m almost wearing a coat of paint from a passing BMW. Between my peripheral vision and Dorothea’s tugs, I’ve been saved. But, Dorothea has said as long as we are in London she doesn’t want to walk on my right side any longer.

In addition to getting around on the “Tube” and double-decker busses, we did a LOT of walking. So, today we are nursing our blisters and bruised shins and making an effort to adjust to the time change. We had a nice lunch today, a “Ploughman’s Lunch” in a unique establishment called a “Whole Foods Food Hall.” So much food, so little time.

Wednesday, we take the “EuroStar” through the Chunnel under the channel to Paris. Once again, we will be contributing to the cabby’s, porters and bell hops welfare. Soon, we will be stopping long enough so our average daily budget can catch up and we can eat something besides the crackers we brought.

Queen Mum has a spectacular place! As she is gone for the summer, she allows you to visit her home. I personally love her gaudy taste – gold, gold and more gold! The ballroom set for a state dinner for 150 was spectacular. They measure the distance of the plates to the edge of the table to make sure everything is perfectly aligned. From what we saw, we have a few ideas to pass along to Jake our Club manager.

During our walk, we had to stop and visit Harrod’s. Although it is characterized as a tourist type department store, I am still totally enthralled with this huge store – it literally has everything - and in such luxurious settings. I really could spend a whole day there. Since I was there last – a long time ago- they have added a Food Hall, which seems to be a very popular food shopping concept here. Wow! Two floors of cheeses, meats, pastries, breads, seafood, candy, etc. along with many small food bars to sit and eat while shopping. Spectacular!

Lunch at heralded “The Wolseley” in Picadilly was less than great, food was good (expensive) with a “cover” charge (no entertainment, except the patrons), and wait staff is quite snobby as reviews often note.

Can’t wait for our trip to Paris tomorrow morning.

Cheers – off to dinner!

Dorothea and Ed