London - Day One
Everything has been smooth sailing since we left Chicago, and here we are safe and sound in merry old London!
The weather is hot and sunny here today, not a cloud in the sky. Like Chicagoans, days like this are hard earned for Londoners, so the parks were packed with locals enjoying picnics and the street cafes overflowing.
Our flight from O'Hare was miraculously on time ( well, by O'Hare standards 15 minutes late is more or less on time), and we sailed over the Atlantic in good time, tail winds in our favor. The girls did well being this was their first overseas flight ( 7hr 45 m) although Emily was only able to settle her excitement long enough for two hours sleep, leaving her feeling a bit jet-lagged even before we landed. Nevertheless, she rallied upon touching down at Heathrow, and after an amazingly quick stop through customs (no lines at all) we were off to The Goring Hotel!
Those of you who know me well know it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to hotels. We chose this 103 year old family owned quintessential English hotel because of its history, charm and location to Buckingham palace. I might add the fact that it wasn't lost on me that Princess Kate chose the Goring Hotel above all other hotels in London to stay on the night before her wedding to Prince William. Hey, if it was good enough for that bride-to-be, than its good enough for me!
Though I could, I won't spend too much time going on about the Goring, but let's just say I am thus far incredibly impressed by its boutique feel and formal, but extremely warm, friendly service. This place still runs like the grand hotels of yesteryear, complete with real keys tucked into wooden slots behind the concierge desk and staff that appear right out of central casting for Downton Abbey. From the moment we stepped into the marble lobby, we have been made to feel welcome and treated with almost royal interest.
By the way, despite its age the rooms are impeccably designed and lovingly maintained. Yes, mama is happy!
Www.goringhotel.com
After we checked in and had lunch at a nearby gastropub The Orange in west London we wasted no time and hopped on a traditional double decker open air bus to get the lay of the land .
We walked the Mall which is impressively lined with the Union Jack flying proudly leading to the gates of Buckingham palace. It is quite apparent the world is officially on "Royal Baby Watch" as scores of TV networks have already staked their places around the palace in anticipation of the blessed event and official royal announcement of the birth of Prince William and Princess Kate's first born child.
The girls were amazed by the royal Queen's guards standing still as statues at the palace. As impressive as they are they couldn't help feel sorry for them being stuck for hours in over 93 degree heat, in their heavy wool uniforms with those tall bearskin hats!
For dinner that evening the concierge sent us to a local Italian restaurant called Santini (www.santini-restaurant.com) If you are ever here on a warm summer evening, do request a table on the patio. We enjoyed a late night meal of forest mushrooms with pecorino and truffle oil, fusilli in veal ragout and Lamb in Barolo sauce surrounded by sautéed grapes. Lovely!
An all-around tip-top day for the Zimbler's!
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