God Save the Queen

Moi in a British Phone Booth

It all happened so fast. First I was going to London and spent months planning and getting ready. Then I wasn't going and tried to move on with my work. At the last minute, I was going again and had to rush to pack and make last minute arrangements.

April Waving to Me on the Long Flight

It was a whirlwind trip. Only the flights lasted forever. . . and ever. . .and ever. The adventure itself whizzed by in a flash. Seven days in London barely scratches the surface, especially when one-third the time is spent sleeping!

Hyde Park Towers Hotel on Inverness Terrace

My two travel-mates and I stayed north of Hyde Park, near Bayswater Underground Station, convenient for hopping on the tube. Unfortunately, the trains ran right under our hotel and the rumbling shook the building every 3 to 5 minutes, day and night.

Can you find our bathtub?

Our room was cozy, a polite euphemism for tiny. Our bathroom (en suite) was the size of a closet. When you sat on the throne you could put your head in the sink. We almost missed seeing the bathtub tucked away in the corner. One night I tried to soak my sore muscles and couldn't get out of the tub. How embarassing to call for help.

Famous Portobello Street Market on Saturday

After checking into our hotel, even with jet lag, we were off to Nottinghill and the Portobello market made famous in the movie "Nottinghill" with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. The Travel Bookshop where Hugh Grant worked in the movie really does exist. It's probably the most photographed store in town.

Travel Bookshop - No Dickens Sold Here!

Fall had come to London. The weather was cold and cloudy, but the parks were brilliant with color--such a calm retreat from the noise, traffic and crowds of the city.

Autumn in Hyde Park

More travelogue to come.