Thankfully our flight was slightly ahead of time arriving. Despite no glitches or delays in passing thru customs (none to speak of) and carrying a carton full of Gypsy's wine . . . the trek just to catch the tube taking us to terminal 4 on-time to meet Montana friend Petunia and our driver was a "glow-producing" sprint! Only to discover they both were late in arriving. No worries, we were all together and our adventure was truly afoot.
It was love at first sight . . . the architecture, handsomely groomed me, and politeness everywhere. After checking into our hotel, it was time to hit the streets. A few blocks away we head to Harrods to experience it's much talked about food court. Our hotel is in the Belgravia / Kensington district with wonderful tree-lined neighborhoods with tucked away mews (my favorite and growing obsession to lease one). Cute shops including a leather one that does beautiful book bindery as well. A few blocks away are lovely private parks that are for the use of those residences that encircle it. A bit further on Sloane Street are a plethora of designer shops with fabulous window displays (many incorporating live plants, flowers and foliage in support of the Chelsea Flower Show that is just starting) -- a feast for the eyes.
It was love at first sight . . . the architecture, handsomely groomed me, and politeness everywhere. After checking into our hotel, it was time to hit the streets. A few blocks away we head to Harrods to experience it's much talked about food court. Our hotel is in the Belgravia / Kensington district with wonderful tree-lined neighborhoods with tucked away mews (my favorite and growing obsession to lease one). Cute shops including a leather one that does beautiful book bindery as well. A few blocks away are lovely private parks that are for the use of those residences that encircle it. A bit further on Sloane Street are a plethora of designer shops with fabulous window displays (many incorporating live plants, flowers and foliage in support of the Chelsea Flower Show that is just starting) -- a feast for the eyes.
No disappointments at Harrods' food court . . . A visual and gastronomic treat for us hungry Traveling Nuest'as! Refortified, we explore the departments adjacent to the central Egyptian-themed escalators. In search for a coat for Gypsy, we are directed to a department of beautiful (ala expensive) women's clothing with a sizable champagne bar that is occupied with dapper looking men and chic women. What fun! And, what a brilliant marketing strategy!!!
Enroute to Harrods, around the corner from our hotel, we'd stopped at a darling neighborhood European/sushi restaurant (Salmontini) to be certain our bearings were correct -- yes, having gone literally less than half a block. It turned out to be the first of many synchronistic pleasures as we headed there for 'a late bite' after partaking in our hotel's wine and cheese reception. Not planning to have another big meal, we settled for cocktails -- Aladdin's Kiss -- with a seafood siup, beet salad, and crunchy California roll. No room for dessert, we vowed to return the next night. Cheers!