London Day 1

 

Wednesday

4/17

Church in Burford Drive to LHR, return car, check into apartment at St James’s Place Lunch: Dammika’s Peninsula (12-10pm) Or Pre-theatre dinner at The Ship Tavern (?5pm)  730pm Royal Opera House: Swan Lake! (printed)   -We had breakfast at the Fox at Barrington, loaded up the car and checked out. It was a nice place to stay for a couple of nights. The bed wasn’t as comfortable as Emma’s, the room was a little small, but the bathroom was big and pretty. And the Cotswolds is just beautiful. -We drove to Burford to visit the very historic St. John the Baptist church. It’s a significant old church with loads of history but all that is marred by the overwhelming disorganization and clutter. Too bad. It was our least favorite of the churches we visited. -Next we drove to LHR to return the car. Always “fun”! We got gas (and a pee break at the place next to the gas station which inexplicably did not have toilets) about 53 miles out of town—which thankfully held up to get us there with a full tank. Don’t know how this drive could be done without GPS! -Took the Piccadilly line to  Hammersmith changed to the Circle and got off at St. James’s Place. About 30 steps up to the street (not bad). Husband got our keys and we were back in the apartment on Petty France/Palmer St. Really lovely apartment. And quieter this time because we could leave some windows closed at night. We were there 4 nights. The owner left us some $ cash for the discount he promised me when I booked and lots of snacks. Very nice. -We had tickets for the Royal Opera House at 730pm so it was time for lunch at Dammika’s Peninsula. Easy walk through pretty streets. Priya was the server and she didn’t speak the best English but was efficient. The food was fantastic! As usual. Probably didn’t need the Sri Lankan curry and Chicken Biryani but there’s no way I’m doing without Chicken Biryani. We also got 2 egg hoppers and a chili panner. All delicious. -We stopped at the Albert Pub for a drink then went to the apartment to dress for the ballet. -Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House was fantastic. Beautiful setting, amazing dancers, expressive music, striking sets and costumes, comfortable seats (except for big headed stinky guy in front of me). Loved everything about it. Oh, they didn’t ask for tickets at any point, weird. -We stopped at a pub nearby for a nightcap after the performance. We left as it closed at 11pm.

London