Impressions

I have invited a couple of guests - Cara and Laura - for quick impressions after their first 36 hours in London.We were just sitting here talking and they were commenting that they're enjoying being here because they're able to see things with us that they would miss as "regular" tourists.

Here are a few:

Laura: It reminds me of New York except the buildings are older. All the people hustling and bustling ... hearing all the languages they speak. It's hard to tell who is a Londoner and who isn't. I love the old building.

Cara: I love all the pretty architecture. It makes the town have a lot of personality. I keep looking in the wrong direction when I cross the street.

Laura: I don't think I could drive in London.

Cara: The cars drive really fast.

Laura: And the food ... there are restaurants everywhere.

Laura thought the subways were similar to New York. Cara had never been on a subway before, but she was surprised that the trains travel so fast.

They're both impressed at the temperament of Londoners. Everyone they've met has been friendly and polite.

So where did we go today? We took bus and subway to South Ealing for Sunday roast at the New Inn. After reading our blog entry back in August, Cara and Laura decided they wanted to go there. I think they both enjoyed the trip because it's a little outside of London and the trains actually travel above ground for a little while.

The roast was delicious once again. The weather today is summer-ish so our walk to and from the train station was pleasant.

Once back on the train we decided to get off at Knightsbridge and explore Harrods for a couple of hours. We walked through the food halls and gaped at fruits from all over the world, cases upon cases of chocolate treats, gelato, coffee and special teas. We walked over to the Arcade and bought a few gifts. Then we headed upstairs to Christmas World so we could marvel at the ornaments and beautifully decorated trees.

Heart and pocketbook collided for me when I saw a beautiful Santa ornament. I collect Santas and my eyes sparkled when I saw this one. It was a British Santa with iconic British pieces on his cape and his bag. I immediately had to have it ... until I saw the price - 69 pounds. I could not do it. (I am, however, accepting donations for the Jayne Cannon Santa Fund. It's not tax-deductible but you'll feel so good bringing joy into the heart of a Santa fiend.)

I did get a special gift at Harrods - a dog. Faithful readers know I miss my dear chocolate Lab, Mocha. Keith bought me an adorable stuffed yellow Lab which I have named Velvet, after a retired guide dog I met Friday in Bath. Velvet is perched at the edge of my keyboard. I am enjoying having a dog - even though it's a stuffed one. I prefer to think of her as low-maintenance.

At 6 p.m., Harrods closes and we headed home. More fun tomorrow - sightseeing and showing off our town. My sister has cancer and her stamina is not what it used to be. But she's here and we're taking as slow as she needs to. Just having her here has been a great birthday gift to me. The rest - as they might say here in London - is just the custard on the pudding!