Last Two Days in England

 The end of the cruise went very smoothly.  After a last breakfast in Chops Grille, we met Rachel and Rob in Schooner’s, and out suites concierge, Elaine, led us off the ship.  We got our bags, and our driver was there as soon as we exited the terminal.  The drive into London took about an hour.

We were dropped off at Heathrow’s Hilton Garden Inn, where we’ve stayed before, and lo and behold, they had a room for us before 10:00 a.m.! The Kimbros got theirs shortly afterwards, so we left our bags and rode the Underground from the airport into the city.  Charlie and I probably (definitely) wouldn’t have attempted that on our own, but Rachel and Rob are adept at navigating trains.

Their friend Kirsten had recommended a good lunch place, Margaux, a short walk from the train station, and it was indeed fabulous! I enjoyed a pink grapefruit spritz, and Charlie and I shared a beautifully crafted salad involving artichokes and asparagus, among other goodies. Then I had probably the best beef bourguigon of my life, served with polenta.  

We returned to the hotel and enjoyed views of the runways, both from our room and the14th floor bar, before having dinner in the hotel restaurant.  And that was Sunday.

Monday, we again took the Underground to Kensington Park, where Rachel had booked tea at the Orangery.  Here are some photos from Kensington Park, where Charles and Diana (and later Will and Kate) lived in the palace.

Statue of Diana & children 


Swans!

For tea, we had a shaded outdoor table, and our server offered to take a photo of us.


Here’s a closer look at the goodies we enjoyed.


The scones (middle tier) were the stars of the show, truly the best! But we didn’t leave much behind. We returned to the hotel, where we bid goodbye to Rachel and Rob, as they were staying in England a few more days to finish their 25th anniversary trip. 

That evening we had dinner in the bar, where we shared a couple of things, including a very good Mediterranean platter.

Up next, the trip back across the pond.

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