travelswithalice

Elsie and I meet in the lobby of my hotel. We head off to the bar for a late lunch. it's 3:30. The lunch menu doesn't appeal. So what about cheese and cold cuts? Yes. And champagne? Well... we figure it must be happy hour somewhere.

We talk men, family, divorce, parents, careers, nice guys, assholes... what else?...actually, there isn't much we didn't talk about!

We're still there when Stuart gets back. Another round of drinks before we brave the cold to walk the few blocks to DB Bistro on 44th Street to join Mario for dinner. DB is yet another outpost of the vast Boulud food empire.

We all marvel at Mario's $34 burger and sample his fries, which everyone declares superior to that of McDonalds. Elsie's escargots are not as successful. Stuart and I have safe and satisfying fish. Perfect finish is chocolate clafoutis for four.

It has turned cold again when we walk back to the Intercon so we warm up with a nightcap. Lovely evening to cap a lovely day.

Spring makes a comeback as we leave NYC. Almost a shame to go now... but London awaits.

And wonder of wonders! London has put on a show to rival springtime in New York. The sky is so blue, there must be a mistake. Are we in the right country?

The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych is a really charming hotel. Small, understated, quiet, 1930's chic. The bowler-hatted doorman has just walked straight out of a Magritte canvas.

Unfortunately, they're in the middle of refurbishment and our pretty little refurbished room stinks of wet cement. We go back to the lounge to await a nicer-smelling room. 😞