Post by Jody on Apr 24, 2012 9:10:02 GMT -5
Thus 29th
David wanted to visit a friend on Ile St Louis, so we set off for the bus stop. I decided the best way to go was to go to St Paul and take the bus that leaves you right off at Pont de Sully , where the lovely little square is located and David’s favorite fishing store at the top on rue st Lois. Got one shortly and made it to St Pail stop right across from our usual apartment. Waited a bit when an elderly French woman appeared and was tsk tsking at the Pas de Service notice on the info screen which I hadn’t seen She beckoned for us to follow her to the new pick up point. Turned out to be on the quai at Pont Royal! So we skipped the bus and just walked over to the Isles Of Course we are now at the other end so have to walk up and down! Lots of goodies in the shop windows, David saw his friend , and I explored a few shops but didn’t buy anything though I do need a new scarf to replace the one I lost in Meaux! If it’s not an umbrella or a scarf lost the trip wouldn’t be complete. Since the umbrellas remained in the suitcases the whole trip it was a scarf’s turn. Walked back to Ile de La Cite and stopped for lunch at the Esmeralda at the foot of the bridge, found a scarf next door and headed back to our ‘hood. Prowled around the areas nearby then back to hotel to rest and clean up. Dinner again at Bistro des Gastronomes. D wanted more foie gras and I had a casserole of various mushrooms. D followed with Dorade with cooked fennel bulbs and I had pork tenderloin served atop mashed potatoes with mashed carrots mixed in. Really good and I will try this at home We both ended up with tart tatin with vanilla ice cream! We will return again next trip
Friday 30th Going to try again to see the Degas exhibit at the D’Orsay so started out early. Very short line and wait when we got there but it filled up fast so glad we were early. The exhibit was lovely and I do like the renovations in the museum. Spent some additional time looking at the perm=anent collections and then headed up to Le Fregate for some lunch. Had 2 offers of gold rings on the way and saw our old bent over lady!! They’d make more money selling the rings for scrap if they were real gold! Both had omelets and I asked the waiter how many eggs did they use. I use 2 at home for 1 omelet and I thought t they might use 3! When he told me 6 I almost choked! Walked around the area for a bit looking in windows and courtyards then headed back for a coffee across from the hotel and later a glass of wine. We need to see our friend Francois on Rue Jacob this evening. So dined at Petit St Benoit. We both had a nice rare rack of lamb. This place is small but we have always enjoyed it. Francois was a bit late to work this evening so we sat in the Daube lobby and waited for a bit and to let him settle into his job. We then spent about an hour talking abut the world! I do dearly love this kind gentleman and never miss a chance to visit with him. He also like to hear there latest Orlando news as he worked here for several years and we have mutual fiends.
Saturday 31m Up early to head to Porte de Vanves and the flea market. Lots of goodies and I actively discouraged David from buying another painting then wished I hadn’t!. We both like this market better than St Oeun and always see something we like, He had a long conversation with some man selling Knives, the collectible kind. We promised to be on the look out for some Randall’s for him as they are made locally and we are good friends with the 2 remaining Randall children, if you can call 70 and more years old children!! Spent the best part of the day there then headed down to St Germain as I still hadn’t made it to Cite Pharmacie for some hand cream which I am now desperate for. Off the bus right at the door then battled our way in thru the crowds that always fill it and bough t 9 tubes ! That ought to last until I get back, I hope. Didn’t quite get the new sculptures outside Deux Magots but they were nice to look at while resting our feet! I do like the street benches scattered around Paris, wish London had a few more> Back home for a coffee and glass of wine before tidying up and going back to Buisson ardent this evening. Seated upstairs tonight and the menu is the same as before which pleased David. He started with a ravioli dish he said was great, I think it had a spinach filling, Then we both had the scallops and I see why he wanted to come back they were excellent. I had to have the Feuillettes again and he followed my lead so I didn’t have to share a bit! I hadn’t had scallops since we got food poisoning from some in Paris on a Monday many years ago. I was told never order most fish and sea creatures on a Monday as the market are closed and it has hung around all week end! Then So ended another unrushed pleasant day !
Sunday Nov 1 Day I have been waiting for so we can go to Richard Lenoir market. I had to get some salt as I am out of it at home and I love my little Roi de Sel there!. At first I couldn’t find him as he was not in his usual place . Walked up all the aisles and finally found him . He had moved further into the market. Bought some plain then he gave me a taste of a new blend he had with various herbs , It was so good I bought 2 bags of it in addition to the plain. David had been dying for some oysters but was appalled by the price the restaurants were charging, so he headed off to the seafood stall where they shuck them on the spot for you. After all that he became fascinated by the sea urchins and had that instead. He said they were very good with a nice salty taste and he’d try them again. We are going to a market in London and they also have shucked oysters so he’ll get them there. As we were near Place Bastille he had to stop in to see one of his favorite paintings in a small café on Faubourg St Antoine, Café Rey I think the name is, He always wishes the owner was there as he would offer to buy it! Listened to some musicians at the Place for a bit then walked around the Marais and headed to Le Chimeres for lunch. Delicious burgers and salad. With some wine this was almost as much as most of our dinners. Why are burgers so expensive in Paris unless it is for the novelty of them.. But they sure are worth the price in deliciousness! Day is almost over after a walk around the Marais, Glad to see Le Bouquet was just being painted when Geordy was here and is not closed. David had a salted caramel Bethilllion ice cream there to celebrate. I just had a bite of it! Dinner tonight at Del Papa. The food and service are always good here and we enjoy it . I had veal with proscuitto and sage and a delish sauce with fresh vegs. David had sautéed kidneys and chose both the vegs and pastas his side, No room for dessert for either of us!
Mn Nov 2nd Back to London today and for some reason I chose an afternoon train after the very early London train. Not enough time to do anything substantial so I ended as I started at the Laundromat. At least we will have all clean clothes for London. Early breakfast and we set off.. I am now the expert so shoed a young French girl she had put her laundry and detergent in a DRYER instead of a washer. She wondered why it was going around with No water. I think she probably messed the dryer up for the next person using it as it was full of liquid detergent. No attendant to report it to though. Wished I had some paper to post a Pas de Service sign. We talked with a nice American man, who when he retired decided to live in Paris for a year >That was EIGHT years ago and he said he is there to stay/ Loves the life and the health benefits. He said his wife had been in Intensive Care for 3 days with lots of tests and his bill was 60 Euro. Beats my 12.000 dollar knee cut!! While the machines were doing their job, I decided to check out the Church, St Victor’s across the way. Lovely altar in an otherwise gloomy interior. David took a walk along that section of Blvd St Germain. I think he is churched out! ‘Got a cab ordered and headed off to Gare de Nord a bit early. You can’t get into the Eurostar boarding area and waiting rooms until your train id posted so spent time looking for a seat in the main station. Finally made it , had a last treat and a coffee in the Eurostar area and our coach was right at the bottom of the escalator. Lots of luggage room as we were among the first to board. Thank you cane!! The ride does not seem long and soon were back at St Pancras and found a taxi at once. Back to the Gloucester and as it was now after 3 PM our room was ready. My new friend Thorsten had upgraded us to a club room so no extra charge for all the club services and loads of room, with a seating area in the room. Still no shower stall though. I could probably qualify for the Olympic high hurdles after a few weeks crawling into those high European bathtubs. At least we had a big shower head after those puny French one. Unpacked and went to club lounge for some canapés and wine . Both tired so just went back to Orsini”s . D went with Pasta Vongole and said it was delicious I had a veal picatta and it too was great! No dessert tonight! Coffee back at hotel and so to bed. My stupid computer is acting up and so slow..
Tues Nov3rd We arranged with our friend Peter to visit him and meet his new wife Sally today so set off for Charing Cross station around nine. He lives outside of Wadhurst in Sussex and is one of my “garage boys” from the time David and our other English friend John and he refinished antiques for John’s shop in our garage. We always had great time together and we both sorely miss John and all the good fun we had. Train was on time and passed though some lovely London Commuter towns. Arrived in Wadhurst and Peter arrived about 2 minutes later and we set off for his “cottage “!! Cottage is a misnomer for sure as it is a lovely 18th cent . House set in beautiful garden and countryside, Sally is a delight and we are so glad Peter now has someone to share his life. They travel extensively and have lots of fun. Sally prepared a wonderful lunch of baked ham, potatoes Dauphinoise fresh veg, and a super lemon tart and we talked and talked over several bottles of wine. I hope we see them both again soon. Spent the whole afternoon gabbing away until we had to leave to catch the last train back to town. Both of us were tired and still too full for any dinner. So settled for more wine and canapés upstairs. Fell into bed quite early and slept soundly,
Wed 4th Up early again and after a full English breakfast set off for the nearby Natural History museum as David wanted to see the New Scott and the Antarctic exhibit, Thorsten said he has always found it crowded so thought an early start would give us an edge. Wrong Both Cromwell Rd entrances were jammed clear up into the gardens so thought we’d try the handicap entrance on Exhibition Rd. That too had people 4 deep and we really didn’t feel like standing in line for a few hours so hoped on a bus and set off for the Wallace Collection, another particular favorite of ours. One of D’s favorite paintings is there and he likes to visit it and droll! Short walk from the bus stop . Wallace is the man who donated all the Wallace fountains to Paris and there is a collection of many of Marie Antoinette’s belongings shown. , so a bit of Paris in London. Had lunch in there beautiful garden restaurant but forget what we had. Must have been that cider that did my brain in! Short walk our to Oxford street so poked around in Selfridges for a bit and I finally saw a Primark store. Seems like just about everyone we saw was carrying a Primark bag especially the flight crews who stay in our hotel.. They come with large empty suitcases that go back home jammed full . They don’t pay for overweight like we poor flyers do!! That took care of the whole day so back to hotel
Dinner at La Famiglia again. I wanted to talk to Alvaro about Montecatini as he might be there at the same time as we are in October/November but he was off in Italy. The restaurant was as crowded as I have ever seen it and traffic was terrible getting there. We had to sit in the first room instead of our usual table in the second room. Seems there was a big football match with Chelsea playing and the stadium is nearby. And on the bus line.
Thus 5th wanted to see another show this afternoon so headed out to TKTS. So much work going on in Leicester Square it is a bit hard to find. David stood in line waiting for them to open and I headed to a nearby café for another coffee. They finally posted what was available and we had already seen most of them and were not interested in the others. I wanted to see Mathilda so we should have just gone to the box office for returned tickets. Too late now so we went again to the National Gallery which is nearby and saw the new Titian exhibit which opened while we were in Paris. I like the explanations the NG places beside each picture , they are so informative. The Flight to Egypt hadn’t left St Petersburg for over 300 years until this loan. They had paintings by other artists that influenced Titian and again the cards were full of info so you could trace what they meant. Had lunch and spoke with 2 charming ladies , one English and one French who had lived in London for 40 years. Wandered around the area checking out various shops and popped into St Martin’s to see if they had their market open but no luck.
Dinner tonight at Racine, a great French place across from the V&A. Made an email reservation because it is really necessary as this area is heavily populated with French expats and the French Institute ; Many French book stores and a great patisserie, La Cigale. I had beef bourg and David liver AGAIN! Crème brulees for dessert. Coffee and a nightcap in the club lounge back at the hotel.
Fri 6th Up early to head to Borough Market , one of my must dos each trip. I know where to get off the bus but David didn’t trust me and asked the bus driver to call out our stop, so when he did we got off and were about a mile and a half from where we wanted to be so had a nice long walk to my bus stop that is a few feet from the market. I swear bus drivers don’t know where things are. Wandered around sampling many things, fruit, pastries, cheese and David finally got his oysters. It was 5 for 5 GBP about what Harrods charge for 1! Actually he got 6 as the shucker said the one kind was small this season. Checked out the cheese at Neal’s Yard while we were there but no way to keep some in our room and customs would confiscate it anyway. Around 1 PM we headed back stopping in again at the Imperial War Museum for another lunch and to see another exhibit that opened while we were away. Family life of 1 specific family during the blitz in WWII. They even had a back yard shelter you could enter said it held 6 people. They must have been midgets though as one obese English lady got in but had trouble getting out the other side so people entering had to step aside to let her out the entrance. Spent the rest of the day there before heading back. Went to Carluccio’s again David HAD A BIG CAESAR SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND I WENT FOR SPINACH RAVIOLI FOLLOED BY VERY GOOD TIRAMISU. Sorry cap lock stuck!!
Saturday 7th headed out to Camden Passage to check out the flea market , found some nice silver but passed on buying it. I was looking for some bracelets for Christmas presents for my niece who loves vintage jewelry. Didn’t see anything that caught my fancy so came away empty handed. Spent awhile in Green Park on the way back to hotel. Dinner tonight at another French place Brompton Brasserie also across from V&A. Really this area is loaded with good eating. I had a steak with green pepper sauce and frites and David had grilled salmon. Had to get back to hotel a bit early as I have to pack and check out . Had a 7:00 pick up arranged with Justairports so need to be all set in the morning.
Sunday 8th Driver on time and we are too early for our hotel breakfast . They don’t start until 7:30 and my little coffee shop across the street that usually opens at 6 if Johnny is working and later when the other guys work is closed on Sundays. Johnny told me he was quitting so I guess I’ll have to wait for the late comers to arrive before I get my first cup. Got to Gatwick much quicker than usual being a Sunday and also Easter. Found a place there to eat and settled down for the wait as we were there about 2 hours ahead and had no wait at security. Plane is jammed full with lots of kiddos heading to Disney so it was a bit noisy. They gave us bullhead seats so at least we were comfortable and the little lap baby next to David was a good as gold and preferred sitting on her grandma’s lap 2 rows behind us! Smopth flight and right on time. Breezed thru customs and immigration and were in a cab heading home less than 30 minutes after landing. The cat was glad to see us and David was very happy she had done so well without him!!
Now on to planning the fall trip which unfortunately will not include Paris but sommmmme friends of ours would like to go with us next spring to show them around. What are friends for!!
David wanted to visit a friend on Ile St Louis, so we set off for the bus stop. I decided the best way to go was to go to St Paul and take the bus that leaves you right off at Pont de Sully , where the lovely little square is located and David’s favorite fishing store at the top on rue st Lois. Got one shortly and made it to St Pail stop right across from our usual apartment. Waited a bit when an elderly French woman appeared and was tsk tsking at the Pas de Service notice on the info screen which I hadn’t seen She beckoned for us to follow her to the new pick up point. Turned out to be on the quai at Pont Royal! So we skipped the bus and just walked over to the Isles Of Course we are now at the other end so have to walk up and down! Lots of goodies in the shop windows, David saw his friend , and I explored a few shops but didn’t buy anything though I do need a new scarf to replace the one I lost in Meaux! If it’s not an umbrella or a scarf lost the trip wouldn’t be complete. Since the umbrellas remained in the suitcases the whole trip it was a scarf’s turn. Walked back to Ile de La Cite and stopped for lunch at the Esmeralda at the foot of the bridge, found a scarf next door and headed back to our ‘hood. Prowled around the areas nearby then back to hotel to rest and clean up. Dinner again at Bistro des Gastronomes. D wanted more foie gras and I had a casserole of various mushrooms. D followed with Dorade with cooked fennel bulbs and I had pork tenderloin served atop mashed potatoes with mashed carrots mixed in. Really good and I will try this at home We both ended up with tart tatin with vanilla ice cream! We will return again next trip
Friday 30th Going to try again to see the Degas exhibit at the D’Orsay so started out early. Very short line and wait when we got there but it filled up fast so glad we were early. The exhibit was lovely and I do like the renovations in the museum. Spent some additional time looking at the perm=anent collections and then headed up to Le Fregate for some lunch. Had 2 offers of gold rings on the way and saw our old bent over lady!! They’d make more money selling the rings for scrap if they were real gold! Both had omelets and I asked the waiter how many eggs did they use. I use 2 at home for 1 omelet and I thought t they might use 3! When he told me 6 I almost choked! Walked around the area for a bit looking in windows and courtyards then headed back for a coffee across from the hotel and later a glass of wine. We need to see our friend Francois on Rue Jacob this evening. So dined at Petit St Benoit. We both had a nice rare rack of lamb. This place is small but we have always enjoyed it. Francois was a bit late to work this evening so we sat in the Daube lobby and waited for a bit and to let him settle into his job. We then spent about an hour talking abut the world! I do dearly love this kind gentleman and never miss a chance to visit with him. He also like to hear there latest Orlando news as he worked here for several years and we have mutual fiends.
Saturday 31m Up early to head to Porte de Vanves and the flea market. Lots of goodies and I actively discouraged David from buying another painting then wished I hadn’t!. We both like this market better than St Oeun and always see something we like, He had a long conversation with some man selling Knives, the collectible kind. We promised to be on the look out for some Randall’s for him as they are made locally and we are good friends with the 2 remaining Randall children, if you can call 70 and more years old children!! Spent the best part of the day there then headed down to St Germain as I still hadn’t made it to Cite Pharmacie for some hand cream which I am now desperate for. Off the bus right at the door then battled our way in thru the crowds that always fill it and bough t 9 tubes ! That ought to last until I get back, I hope. Didn’t quite get the new sculptures outside Deux Magots but they were nice to look at while resting our feet! I do like the street benches scattered around Paris, wish London had a few more> Back home for a coffee and glass of wine before tidying up and going back to Buisson ardent this evening. Seated upstairs tonight and the menu is the same as before which pleased David. He started with a ravioli dish he said was great, I think it had a spinach filling, Then we both had the scallops and I see why he wanted to come back they were excellent. I had to have the Feuillettes again and he followed my lead so I didn’t have to share a bit! I hadn’t had scallops since we got food poisoning from some in Paris on a Monday many years ago. I was told never order most fish and sea creatures on a Monday as the market are closed and it has hung around all week end! Then So ended another unrushed pleasant day !
Sunday Nov 1 Day I have been waiting for so we can go to Richard Lenoir market. I had to get some salt as I am out of it at home and I love my little Roi de Sel there!. At first I couldn’t find him as he was not in his usual place . Walked up all the aisles and finally found him . He had moved further into the market. Bought some plain then he gave me a taste of a new blend he had with various herbs , It was so good I bought 2 bags of it in addition to the plain. David had been dying for some oysters but was appalled by the price the restaurants were charging, so he headed off to the seafood stall where they shuck them on the spot for you. After all that he became fascinated by the sea urchins and had that instead. He said they were very good with a nice salty taste and he’d try them again. We are going to a market in London and they also have shucked oysters so he’ll get them there. As we were near Place Bastille he had to stop in to see one of his favorite paintings in a small café on Faubourg St Antoine, Café Rey I think the name is, He always wishes the owner was there as he would offer to buy it! Listened to some musicians at the Place for a bit then walked around the Marais and headed to Le Chimeres for lunch. Delicious burgers and salad. With some wine this was almost as much as most of our dinners. Why are burgers so expensive in Paris unless it is for the novelty of them.. But they sure are worth the price in deliciousness! Day is almost over after a walk around the Marais, Glad to see Le Bouquet was just being painted when Geordy was here and is not closed. David had a salted caramel Bethilllion ice cream there to celebrate. I just had a bite of it! Dinner tonight at Del Papa. The food and service are always good here and we enjoy it . I had veal with proscuitto and sage and a delish sauce with fresh vegs. David had sautéed kidneys and chose both the vegs and pastas his side, No room for dessert for either of us!
Mn Nov 2nd Back to London today and for some reason I chose an afternoon train after the very early London train. Not enough time to do anything substantial so I ended as I started at the Laundromat. At least we will have all clean clothes for London. Early breakfast and we set off.. I am now the expert so shoed a young French girl she had put her laundry and detergent in a DRYER instead of a washer. She wondered why it was going around with No water. I think she probably messed the dryer up for the next person using it as it was full of liquid detergent. No attendant to report it to though. Wished I had some paper to post a Pas de Service sign. We talked with a nice American man, who when he retired decided to live in Paris for a year >That was EIGHT years ago and he said he is there to stay/ Loves the life and the health benefits. He said his wife had been in Intensive Care for 3 days with lots of tests and his bill was 60 Euro. Beats my 12.000 dollar knee cut!! While the machines were doing their job, I decided to check out the Church, St Victor’s across the way. Lovely altar in an otherwise gloomy interior. David took a walk along that section of Blvd St Germain. I think he is churched out! ‘Got a cab ordered and headed off to Gare de Nord a bit early. You can’t get into the Eurostar boarding area and waiting rooms until your train id posted so spent time looking for a seat in the main station. Finally made it , had a last treat and a coffee in the Eurostar area and our coach was right at the bottom of the escalator. Lots of luggage room as we were among the first to board. Thank you cane!! The ride does not seem long and soon were back at St Pancras and found a taxi at once. Back to the Gloucester and as it was now after 3 PM our room was ready. My new friend Thorsten had upgraded us to a club room so no extra charge for all the club services and loads of room, with a seating area in the room. Still no shower stall though. I could probably qualify for the Olympic high hurdles after a few weeks crawling into those high European bathtubs. At least we had a big shower head after those puny French one. Unpacked and went to club lounge for some canapés and wine . Both tired so just went back to Orsini”s . D went with Pasta Vongole and said it was delicious I had a veal picatta and it too was great! No dessert tonight! Coffee back at hotel and so to bed. My stupid computer is acting up and so slow..
Tues Nov3rd We arranged with our friend Peter to visit him and meet his new wife Sally today so set off for Charing Cross station around nine. He lives outside of Wadhurst in Sussex and is one of my “garage boys” from the time David and our other English friend John and he refinished antiques for John’s shop in our garage. We always had great time together and we both sorely miss John and all the good fun we had. Train was on time and passed though some lovely London Commuter towns. Arrived in Wadhurst and Peter arrived about 2 minutes later and we set off for his “cottage “!! Cottage is a misnomer for sure as it is a lovely 18th cent . House set in beautiful garden and countryside, Sally is a delight and we are so glad Peter now has someone to share his life. They travel extensively and have lots of fun. Sally prepared a wonderful lunch of baked ham, potatoes Dauphinoise fresh veg, and a super lemon tart and we talked and talked over several bottles of wine. I hope we see them both again soon. Spent the whole afternoon gabbing away until we had to leave to catch the last train back to town. Both of us were tired and still too full for any dinner. So settled for more wine and canapés upstairs. Fell into bed quite early and slept soundly,
Wed 4th Up early again and after a full English breakfast set off for the nearby Natural History museum as David wanted to see the New Scott and the Antarctic exhibit, Thorsten said he has always found it crowded so thought an early start would give us an edge. Wrong Both Cromwell Rd entrances were jammed clear up into the gardens so thought we’d try the handicap entrance on Exhibition Rd. That too had people 4 deep and we really didn’t feel like standing in line for a few hours so hoped on a bus and set off for the Wallace Collection, another particular favorite of ours. One of D’s favorite paintings is there and he likes to visit it and droll! Short walk from the bus stop . Wallace is the man who donated all the Wallace fountains to Paris and there is a collection of many of Marie Antoinette’s belongings shown. , so a bit of Paris in London. Had lunch in there beautiful garden restaurant but forget what we had. Must have been that cider that did my brain in! Short walk our to Oxford street so poked around in Selfridges for a bit and I finally saw a Primark store. Seems like just about everyone we saw was carrying a Primark bag especially the flight crews who stay in our hotel.. They come with large empty suitcases that go back home jammed full . They don’t pay for overweight like we poor flyers do!! That took care of the whole day so back to hotel
Dinner at La Famiglia again. I wanted to talk to Alvaro about Montecatini as he might be there at the same time as we are in October/November but he was off in Italy. The restaurant was as crowded as I have ever seen it and traffic was terrible getting there. We had to sit in the first room instead of our usual table in the second room. Seems there was a big football match with Chelsea playing and the stadium is nearby. And on the bus line.
Thus 5th wanted to see another show this afternoon so headed out to TKTS. So much work going on in Leicester Square it is a bit hard to find. David stood in line waiting for them to open and I headed to a nearby café for another coffee. They finally posted what was available and we had already seen most of them and were not interested in the others. I wanted to see Mathilda so we should have just gone to the box office for returned tickets. Too late now so we went again to the National Gallery which is nearby and saw the new Titian exhibit which opened while we were in Paris. I like the explanations the NG places beside each picture , they are so informative. The Flight to Egypt hadn’t left St Petersburg for over 300 years until this loan. They had paintings by other artists that influenced Titian and again the cards were full of info so you could trace what they meant. Had lunch and spoke with 2 charming ladies , one English and one French who had lived in London for 40 years. Wandered around the area checking out various shops and popped into St Martin’s to see if they had their market open but no luck.
Dinner tonight at Racine, a great French place across from the V&A. Made an email reservation because it is really necessary as this area is heavily populated with French expats and the French Institute ; Many French book stores and a great patisserie, La Cigale. I had beef bourg and David liver AGAIN! Crème brulees for dessert. Coffee and a nightcap in the club lounge back at the hotel.
Fri 6th Up early to head to Borough Market , one of my must dos each trip. I know where to get off the bus but David didn’t trust me and asked the bus driver to call out our stop, so when he did we got off and were about a mile and a half from where we wanted to be so had a nice long walk to my bus stop that is a few feet from the market. I swear bus drivers don’t know where things are. Wandered around sampling many things, fruit, pastries, cheese and David finally got his oysters. It was 5 for 5 GBP about what Harrods charge for 1! Actually he got 6 as the shucker said the one kind was small this season. Checked out the cheese at Neal’s Yard while we were there but no way to keep some in our room and customs would confiscate it anyway. Around 1 PM we headed back stopping in again at the Imperial War Museum for another lunch and to see another exhibit that opened while we were away. Family life of 1 specific family during the blitz in WWII. They even had a back yard shelter you could enter said it held 6 people. They must have been midgets though as one obese English lady got in but had trouble getting out the other side so people entering had to step aside to let her out the entrance. Spent the rest of the day there before heading back. Went to Carluccio’s again David HAD A BIG CAESAR SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND I WENT FOR SPINACH RAVIOLI FOLLOED BY VERY GOOD TIRAMISU. Sorry cap lock stuck!!
Saturday 7th headed out to Camden Passage to check out the flea market , found some nice silver but passed on buying it. I was looking for some bracelets for Christmas presents for my niece who loves vintage jewelry. Didn’t see anything that caught my fancy so came away empty handed. Spent awhile in Green Park on the way back to hotel. Dinner tonight at another French place Brompton Brasserie also across from V&A. Really this area is loaded with good eating. I had a steak with green pepper sauce and frites and David had grilled salmon. Had to get back to hotel a bit early as I have to pack and check out . Had a 7:00 pick up arranged with Justairports so need to be all set in the morning.
Sunday 8th Driver on time and we are too early for our hotel breakfast . They don’t start until 7:30 and my little coffee shop across the street that usually opens at 6 if Johnny is working and later when the other guys work is closed on Sundays. Johnny told me he was quitting so I guess I’ll have to wait for the late comers to arrive before I get my first cup. Got to Gatwick much quicker than usual being a Sunday and also Easter. Found a place there to eat and settled down for the wait as we were there about 2 hours ahead and had no wait at security. Plane is jammed full with lots of kiddos heading to Disney so it was a bit noisy. They gave us bullhead seats so at least we were comfortable and the little lap baby next to David was a good as gold and preferred sitting on her grandma’s lap 2 rows behind us! Smopth flight and right on time. Breezed thru customs and immigration and were in a cab heading home less than 30 minutes after landing. The cat was glad to see us and David was very happy she had done so well without him!!
Now on to planning the fall trip which unfortunately will not include Paris but sommmmme friends of ours would like to go with us next spring to show them around. What are friends for!!
) 
..did you tell them they should put up a sign???
hahahha