London's Burning!

The Clash song stated that "London's burning with boredome now". I am sure that, at the time, those lyrics had relevance and truly reflected the political and social climate that many Londoners were living in. But the London that we experienced the past two weeks was simply glorious, vibrant, fascinating and just darn fun. Although London was not burning, the Icelandic volcano was, so our visit was extended an extra week. Much as a person's life or a  broadway play is separated into sections based on time and theme, our London visit was neatly divided into 4 distinct acts, which I shall now describe and analyze for my rapt audience of ...hmmm, perhaps for myself.

Arrival at the Thames: Linda and I arrived in Canary Wharf with a flourish. After taking the tube, several willing locals proceeded to give us wildly innacurate directions, turning our 10 minute walk to "The Curve" Marriot Hotel into a 30 minute Odyssey. The many foot bridges crossing the Thames were quite fun, the wind gusts reaching a strength sufficient to take small children and my Yankees hat into the upper atmosphere. Learned that doing business in London consists mostly of saying "brilliant", "right", "well done" and wearing pink shirts.

Pilgrimmage to Bloomsbury: Work done, on to the vacation, as we check into the Euston Hilton. We got to hang with K and hit the pubs, ah the Guinness! After a few days of perfect weather and more pubs we realize every pub has the same menu and....ah the Guinness! A great restaurant in Angel, some Italian on Goodge street with Kaila and Alan and, wait, what was that sound? I think an Icelandic volcano just erupted!

Old Home Week at the Arran House: Volcanic ash is coming ,you are being held hostage by Mother Nature in a foreign country, and you can't go home. What to do? Go to the Arran House of course! 
The Bed and Breakfast is a staple of the Roti family and friends: Kaila, Kristin (twice), Casey and we (twice) have stayed for a righteous price (85 pounds for a double, which usually turns out to be a triple or a quadruple). Full (overfull) English breakfast, about 10 communal bathrooms for the adventurous (no en suite for you!), in a location near it all. Like staying at your Aunt's house.

All Rise, the Roti's have arrived at Hotel Russell: So all of England is daft, and those in power have closed the airports. Which means I am commuting by tube from Arran House to Canary Wharf. Right, a bit of a walk to the tube eh? Linda walked me to the tube that morning, across from beautiful Russell Square and the historic Hotel Russell. "Wouldn't it be nice to stay here?" Linda inquired, and before I knew it we were booked at the Russell for 20 pounds below the standard price, in an upgraded room with a view of the park and breakfast included. How ever does Linda do it? A week of pink shirts for me, heavenly weather, palacial accomodations in the cultural hub, what could be better? The insightful CEO of Brittish Air on Sky News  suggests that the airlines all going bankrupt is a bad thing, and the next day the airspace is opened. Right, brilliant. Bittersweet. Goodbye Hotel Russell, goodbye London, goodbye Kaila, see you soon Kris.

Wow that was fun. So what did Linda and I learn from our 2 week adventure? Next post.

Keep the Faith