London / Paris Here We Come!!! 9/2 - 9/10/11

Hey Chris!!

Do you have any cool new shirts? Hope you're well and having fun travels.

Thanks for the notes. We have so little time that I relish all the tips on how to best spend my moments!

As a matter of fact, I did pick up some new shirts recently, though I haven't gotten a chance to wear them yet. I got them at this place last weekend (my first visit there)... I guess it's my consolation prize for not getting to go with y'all to Europe.

img_0901a1.jpg


As for tips... I think you have some free meals while you're in London. If you're looking for a decent casual mid-level chain restaurant, my tips are... First stay far away from TGI Friday's and all the various Abberdeen/Scotch/Angus Steak Houses. It's cruddy plastic tourist food (and their Friday's is not as good as ours). I'd also avoid Garfunkel's (which is basically like Denny's).

Where would I suggest instead?

Wagamama, which has sort of British versions of Asian fusion. The chicken katsu curry (breaded chicken breast with a mild Indian curry sauce) is my favorite. Wagamama tends to renovate basement spaces, so don't be afraid about going downstairs to eat, and the seating is at long row-tables (a la Biergarten at Epcot), so it's a great place for groups.

If you want something less adventurous, Carluccio's is the best option for Italian. (Note, it's waaaay better than Bella Italia, which you'll see a lot more of.) Carluccio's is half restaurant and half store, so it's a bit like eating inside a Williams-Sonoma. But what I love is that they make everything fresh, and you can really taste the difference. They also have really great salads and healthier options. Their Caprese salad, for example, uses fresh whole basil leaves and a signature sweet balsamic drizzle.

Nando's is fun for Portuguese flame-grilled chicken. They have the same chain here in Canada, but for whatever reason, the UK version tastes a lot better. Basically it's char-grilled chicken, seasoned with spices and served with your option of mild to extra-hot Peri Peri sauce. It's hard to describe, but it's spicy and tangy and garlicy all at the same time. It's a nice alternative to BBQ. They have great olives too.

If you like dim sum, my favorite place is Ping Pong. There are only a couple of them around town though. You sit and order what you want off the menu by checking them off on a list and handing it to the server. I highly reccommend all of the stemed dumplings and the fried crispy shrimp balls. Also, you have to get the jasmine tea, which is so beautiful, you'll be taking pictures.

Finally, if you are not nearly broke enough from this trip, I've eaten at my share of 4-star places as well (with 4-star prices to match). Among my favorites are: Coq d'Argent, Orrery, and Roka. But there are many, many more, if you're willing to pay and get dressed up.

Btw, everyone will tell you... the trick to eating well in Britain is to avoid British food. London especially is such a diverse cultural melting pot that if you're willing to be a little adventurous with the food, you'll be hansomely rewarded with some of the best Indian, Moroccan, Greek, Spanish and French food on the planet. However, if you MUST have Fish and Chips, ask the concierege at the hotel for someplace that does them well. Don't settle for Harry Ramsden's.

BTW, your breakfast in England will likely include the following: Eggs, toast, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, sasuage or bacon (and when the British say "bacon" they really mean ham) and black pudding (which is a sausage-like hockey puck of congeled fried blood. Yes, you read that correctly. If you can get over what it is, it actually tastes okay.)

Best wishes. --Chris
 
Hi All!

I just wanted to wish you a FABULOUS trip!! I also wanted to let you know that they were discussing a very neat app on The View today. It's called Word Lens and it instantly translates text (say from a map or book) into English via your iPad. I think it also works on the iPhone and thought it might come in handy while you guys are away.

Can't wait to see pics!

Word Lens is a fantastic app. However, right now, it only translates between Spanish and English. They're working on French, but it's not out yet. :( There is a free demo version you can get though that reverses the order of letters in words or makes text disappear. Not especially useful, but lots of fun to play with.

-- Chris
 
Cross thread reference - Foxtrot Oscar information has been updated, Sunday Roast menu is confirmed.

Restaurant address and travel suggestions are listed in post #105 of the FO thread.

*************************

Cathy and I are all packed and ready to leave tomorrow PM.

Safe travels to all!

See you in London.

Frank
 
Just wanted y'all to look for me at the London Meet ....

I won't be there, but you can still look! Consider that your DL podcaster visit for this ABD!

Have fun!!!

Thanks, Nancy! I knew to highlight the hidden text, but I am being a stinker and quoting it directly. :laughing:

So this trip is finally real, I'm at Canberra Airport, hanging in the quite nice lounge with an adult beverage and a plate of food - flight is delayed, but who cares!

Tonight in Sydney - next update will be from the First Class Lounge tomorrow morning. The nice First Hosts have called today, arranged my 50 minute massage for tomorrow afternoon!

See you all soon

Matt

And Matt is officially on vacation! :banana: Yes, we want details! I still think it's funny that Qantas gives you pajamas. ;)

36 hours to go!!!

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Slightly longer than 36 hours for me, but I'll take it! :banana:

Thanks, Kevin! I knew I saw it somewhere!

You know, a 25" suitcase looks much smaller when your closet explodes onto the bed for packing. Edit. Edit. Edit.

Laurie

That's why I have a 30" brand new rolling duffel. I hope it holds up ok in transit!

Hi All!

I just wanted to wish you a FABULOUS trip!! I also wanted to let you know that they were discussing a very neat app on The View today. It's called Word Lens and it instantly translates text (say from a map or book) into English via your iPad. I think it also works on the iPhone and thought it might come in handy while you guys are away.

Can't wait to see pics!

I downloaded Google Translate app for my iPhone. I'm really impressed with it. While it doesn't do the word scan, you can flip the translations from English to French and French to English. And there's a voice button that will do the pronunciations for you. I like that feature, because I know my natural tendency is to pronounce everything wrong.

Popping in to wish everyone a fantastic trip! I know you have all been waiting a long time and it's finally here. Just remember to stop and smell the roses. Take a moment to realize where you are and soak it all in.

Cheers! :)

Thanks, Aaron! I know there will be a time when I arrive that it will hit me. "I'm finally HERE."

As a matter of fact, I did pick up some new shirts recently, though I haven't gotten a chance to wear them yet. I got them at this place last weekend (my first visit there)... I guess it's my consolation prize for not getting to go with y'all to Europe.

img_0901a1.jpg


As for tips... I think you have some free meals while you're in London. If you're looking for a decent casual mid-level chain restaurant, my tips are... First stay far away from TGI Friday's and all the various Abberdeen/Scotch/Angus Steak Houses. It's cruddy plastic tourist food (and their Friday's is not as good as ours). I'd also avoid Garfunkel's (which is basically like Denny's).

Where would I suggest instead?

Wagamama, which has sort of British versions of Asian fusion. The chicken katsu curry (breaded chicken breast with a mild Indian curry sauce) is my favorite. Wagamama tends to renovate basement spaces, so don't be afraid about going downstairs to eat, and the seating is at long row-tables (a la Biergarten at Epcot), so it's a great place for groups.

If you want something less adventurous, Carluccio's is the best option for Italian. (Note, it's waaaay better than Bella Italia, which you'll see a lot more of.) Carluccio's is half restaurant and half store, so it's a bit like eating inside a Williams-Sonoma. But what I love is that they make everything fresh, and you can really taste the difference. They also have really great salads and healthier options. Their Caprese salad, for example, uses fresh whole basil leaves and a signature sweet balsamic drizzle.

Nando's is fun for Portuguese flame-grilled chicken. They have the same chain here in Canada, but for whatever reason, the UK version tastes a lot better. Basically it's char-grilled chicken, seasoned with spices and served with your option of mild to extra-hot Peri Peri sauce. It's hard to describe, but it's spicy and tangy and garlicy all at the same time. It's a nice alternative to BBQ. They have great olives too.

If you like dim sum, my favorite place is Ping Pong. There are only a couple of them around town though. You sit and order what you want off the menu by checking them off on a list and handing it to the server. I highly reccommend all of the stemed dumplings and the fried crispy shrimp balls. Also, you have to get the jasmine tea, which is so beautiful, you'll be taking pictures.

Finally, if you are not nearly broke enough from this trip, I've eaten at my share of 4-star places as well (with 4-star prices to match). Among my favorites are: Coq d'Argent, Orrery, and Roka. But there are many, many more, if you're willing to pay and get dressed up.

Btw, everyone will tell you... the trick to eating well in Britain is to avoid British food. London especially is such a diverse cultural melting pot that if you're willing to be a little adventurous with the food, you'll be hansomely rewarded with some of the best Indian, Moroccan, Greek, Spanish and French food on the planet. However, if you MUST have Fish and Chips, ask the concierege at the hotel for someplace that does them well. Don't settle for Harry Ramsden's.

BTW, your breakfast in England will likely include the following: Eggs, toast, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, sasuage or bacon (and when the British say "bacon" they really mean ham) and black pudding (which is a sausage-like hockey puck of congeled fried blood. Yes, you read that correctly. If you can get over what it is, it actually tastes okay.)

Best wishes. --Chris

Wow, you were making me hungry until you got to the blood sausage. I'd try it just to say I've had it, but it doesn't sound appealing at all. :scared:

Cross thread reference - Foxtrot Oscar information has been updated, Sunday Roast menu is confirmed.

Restaurant address and travel suggestions are listed in post #105.

*************************

Cathy and I are all packed and ready to leave tomorrow PM.

Safe travels to all!

See you in London.

Frank

Have a safe trip, Frank and Cathy!
 


Pip, pip & Cheerio All! I'm typing this in the computer area of my LONDON hotel!!!! Only get 15 minutes at a time, but better than nothing! Weather was gloomy but dry today. Definitely light jacket or sweater weather. St Paul's is MAGNIFICENT!!! OMG gorgeous! Only --- NO PHOTOGRAPHY!!! *That* was PAINFUL!!! So looking forward to meeting up with everyone SOON! (PS, the Oyster card works wonderfully!)

Toodles!
Sayhello
 


Pip, pip & Cheerio All! I'm typing this in the computer area of my LONDON hotel!!!! Only get 15 minutes at a time, but better than nothing! Weather was gloomy but dry today. Definitely light jacket or sweater weather. St Paul's is MAGNIFICENT!!! OMG gorgeous! Only --- NO PHOTOGRAPHY!!! *That* was PAINFUL!!! So looking forward to meeting up with everyone SOON! (PS, the Oyster card works wonderfully!)

Toodles!
Sayhello

Its great getting updates from London!! I wish I was leaving tomorrow....

I'm excited about visiting St. Paul's. I have a ticket for Friday. :cool1:
 
PACKED!

We leave at dawn.





Okay...I just said that to be dramatic. We actually leave Orlando at 5:00pm
 
I'm packed...for the most part. 90% there. Got one more day of work and one more item to pick up tomorrow...I'll then be ready for my flight on Thursday.
 
Just wanted to jump in before you all left and wish everyone Bon Voyage.

I know you all are going to have an amazing adventure. It'll be so wonderful to hear so many different perspectives on the trip.

Safe travels everyone
 
I'm packed...for the most part. 90% there. Got one more day of work and one more item to pick up tomorrow...I'll then be ready for my flight on Thursday.

Ditto! I'm packed most of the way, with some stuff that goes into the bag last minute. I have some room left in the bag for stuff to take home. :)

I'll be pretty much useless at work tomorrow and Thursday morning.
 
At Sydney airport just enjoyed an hour long massage - having some French champagne to get in the mood while I eat my lunch. Boarding in 1 1/2 hours. Next stop Singapore.
 
Almost packed. We leave tomorrow afternoon, but we will get to
London at the same time you all do. See you there!

Safe travels!!

Ditto! I'm packed most of the way, with some stuff that goes into the bag last minute. I have some room left in the bag for stuff to take home. :)

I'll be pretty much useless at work tomorrow and Thursday morning.

I'm so glad I decided to take tomorrow off of work! I would be useless...so I'm trying to force myself to dig in today so I'm not worried about stuff when I'm gone.

At Sydney airport just enjoyed an hour long massage - having some French champagne to get in the mood while I eat my lunch. Boarding in 1 1/2 hours. Next stop Singapore.

:snooty:.....I'm actually jealous. :) Safe travels!

We leave today! Next stop London!!!!!

:dance3::dance3::dance3:

Woohoo! I'll be saying that tomorrow. :dance3:
 
Pip, pip & Cheerio All! I'm typing this in the computer area of my LONDON hotel!!!! Only get 15 minutes at a time, but better than nothing! Weather was gloomy but dry today. Definitely light jacket or sweater weather. St Paul's is MAGNIFICENT!!! OMG gorgeous! Only --- NO PHOTOGRAPHY!!! *That* was PAINFUL!!! So looking forward to meeting up with everyone SOON! (PS, the Oyster card works wonderfully!)

Toodles!
Sayhello

we are in rm 1007 -:banana: stop by if you get a chace
Micki and John
 

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