Last Day in London

We really enjoyed our visit to London.  Despite bringing only one pair of shorts, because it’s NEVER HOT here during the summer, we muddled through.  I now know to “mind the gap”, which is a caution about the space between the subway car and the platform.  I know a cold beverage is something slightly below room temperature and “what is this substance called ice that you Yanks always ask about?”  Some men seem to wear women’s pants.  Visitors who ask about air conditioning are told that a facility is air cooled, which simply means they open windows.  If we were willing to pay our taxes in 1776 the same things might be true back in New York today.  People are extremely friendly and polite and are completely comfortable giving you directions to the nearest underground station.  They may even offer to walk you part or most of the way if they are not speaking on their mobile.

For Harry Potter Fans, I've also got a picture of Charing Cross.

We started our day at St. Paul’s Cathedral where I learned I am a non-conformist.  I’ve always thought so, but in British terms it means I am not a member of the Anglican Church.  It’s another one of those places where inside pictures are not permitted unless you are making a Harry Potter movie.  Then you can use the unique stairwell in the west end of the church for a scene. 

It appears in Prisoner of Azkaban

 At the British Museum we learned that priceless artifacts in the Parthenon collection which might rightfully belong to the Greeks is a “matter for discussion.”  It doesn’t look to me as if the pieces of marble are going anywhere.  Neither are any of the Egyptian mummies.

This evening we capped our stay by visiting with two former Saint Rose students who are studying here.  It was good to see Gina and Marie.  Then we had dinner with long time family friend, Jean Edelstein, who I don't think we've seen in nearly ten years.  The night ended by taking in a show, Jersey Boys.  We sat down and the overture started because Jan is that good at scheduling this.

Our memorable stay in London became even richer because of 69 The Grove, where we are staying.  At breakfast this morning it was the United Nations, with people from Vancouver, Switzerland, Italy, Niskayuna, Japan, Australia and France.  Somehow we all managed to communicate.  Our hosts are gracious and accommodating.  Our room, #3, is pretty good sized.  There are flower boxes outside our window, which are obviously well cared for and Jan is not responsible.  Our UN breakfasts are yummy and it's a short walk to the Tube.  Compare their costs to that of a typical London Hotel.

We will be sorry to say goodbye to it in the morning but we are looking forward to more adventures.