travelswithalice

December 17, 2014

London week

I have a new favorite in London: the Conrad London St James. It's the right location- literally across the street from the tube station, and practically next door to the Queen. It's the right size- only six floors, small lobby, one restaurant, one bar, no shops. Service is excellent, friendly and accommodating. Proof of this came the one day I was unwell and room service had the chef prepare a delicious healing meal for me. Only drawback is the afternoon tea and the evening canapés are too good, causing havoc in my diet!

Whenever possible, first dinner date in London is with Cristina. Through the years, the group has gotten bigger. Now includes Floyd, Francesca, and Federica. Stuart, away in Florida for a conference, is missing this time though.

Sleepover with Stel, celebrating being all grown up and ready to travel on the underground unaccompanied by a responsible adult! 😀

Carols at St Marylebone with Richard, Gill, Mari, Huw, Angharad, and Gwen.

Late Turner at Tate Britain.

Labels: Blue Boar, Conrad London St James, Libertys, St Marylebone, Tate Britain

posted by Alice Dimalanta Jones # December 17, 2014

December 10, 2014

Let's talk about the weather

This country is chronically preoccupied with the weather. Hail, sleet, snow. Weather bomb. Did she say cyclogenesis? Wow, that sounds really bad!

Back home in Manila that's simply called a low pressure area. Even driver Bobby refers to that commonplace weather phenomenon by its familiar nickname LPA.

Okay, it is cold. But isn't that what winter is all about? So enough already!

Snow is forecasted for tomorrow. Well, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Labels: London, weather

posted by Alice Dimalanta Jones # December 10, 2014

December 09, 2014

London skyline

I always ask for a room with a view. Sometimes that's all it takes, just to ask. When I checked in last Sunday, the smart aleck at the Conrad desk said, "Sorry, ma'am, I can't offer you an ocean view." I had to smile because he obviously relished delivering a well-practiced line.

Actually, I have a lovely view! Peeking over the neighboring rooftops, are the spires of Westminster Abbey and the beautiful tower of the Methodist Hall.

Blue skies and brilliant sunshine belie the freezing temperatures on this wintry afternoon.

And in the evening, magic in the moonlight!

Labels: Conrad London St James, full moon, London, Westminster

posted by Alice Dimalanta Jones # December 09, 2014

December 07, 2014

London, on the not so Fast Lane

I'm in place, now installed at the Conrad in St. James (lovely hotel, first time here, I think I'm going to love it) having a very nice breakfast. Unfortunately, my luggage didn't make it! British Airways has left my suitcase in Singapore. 😒

First time on BA to London. The flight was very nice, service and aircraft very good, no unnecessary frills but very efficient. I thought the cabin was intelligently designed for the passenger's comfort, unlike other airlines, Cathay for instance, that seem to design everything around the staff and crew's convenience.

Okay, all that said, the arrival hasn't been so good. Don't bother with the Fast Lane. BA pays for only one counter so the lane was excruciatingly slow. About the time people started to abandon this ridiculously misnamed fast lane for the slow lane, which in this case proved to be much faster, I managed to remember that we could actually go on the UK and EU queue because Stuart has a UK passport.

So we marched off to the EU lane, triumphantly breezed through border control, and came to a screeching halt at baggage retrieval. My luggage of course has gone missing.

Oh well, I think I'll have another coffee. Conrad-1, BA-0.