11th Jan 2014
It is a beautiful
sunny day, blue sky and warmish if you have the sun on you. Suitably attired
Ian & I catch the 11.06 from High Wycombe to Marylebone. Within 30 minutes
we are right in the city centre and heading for Westminster. Ian wants to have
a look around Westminster abbey. Cameras at the ready we head for the entrance
only to be stopped dead in our tracks. The entrance fee is £18, yes £18 each.
How on earth did anyone work out that cost? If it was to limit the people
entering the building it certainly did the trick as no way would we pay that.
Robbing b****ards should be wearing mask! It is a shame that people that want
to go in but have no money are stopped in this way. Sure we could pay the
extortionate rate and we don’t mind paying for things, but £18 each you’re
having a laugh.
I stomp off up the
road muttering £18 £18 I can’t believe it. Up Whitehall to Horse guards parade,
where people are driving the poor horses demented. How the guards sit on their
horses and put up with it I don’t know. Hmm I have just read this back &
realise a touch of the Victor Meldrews has crept in.
We amble into St James
Park , it is lovely in the sunshine, lots of ducks and geese around, very
friendly Squirrels, more tourists and lots of pigeons. This was one of our courting
places when Ian & I first got together.
Happy memories. Out of the park and up to Buck House, no one in so we
walk on into Green park, more squirrels. Just a short way down Piccadilly we go
into the peaceful haven that is Fortnum and Masons. This shop has so much charm
and elegance we love the ambiance here and browse the shelves for a while.
Decide it is time for
something to eat. We dine at la Duexieme in Covent Garden, it was very nice
& a nice cold bottle of Sauvignon blanc went down a treat.
Mr. F is feeling a bit
drowsy after his feast so we hop it to the hotel. We are staying at the Park
Plaza Westminster Bridge. It is a new and stylish buzzy hotel. Our room is very
nice and after a cup of tea Mr. f has a snooze while I watch the traffic file
over Westminster Bridge.
Soon it is time to go
out. We chose the hotel for its proximity to the jubilee line as we are headed
for the O2 and a Maroon 5 concert.
Our 18 year old niece was horrified when we told her where we were going. There won't be anyone like you there she informed us. By like us she meant old!
Supporting M5 was
Robin Thicke (Him of Blurred lines fame) Well he was good in parts and rubbish
in others. I don’t think he quite knows where his niche is. Well I can tell you
where it is not. Anyway Blurred lines was good, his stage presence was good but
he could not quite carry it off.
The divine Adam Levine
was on next, sexiest man in the world apparently. Well he is rather nice to
look at normally. Well that is apart from the tattoos and he also was sporting
a weird moustache (why?). A brilliant show, much dancing around and loud
singing and that was just us.
Bit surprised when the
divine Levine spoke as he sounded like he had taken a huge blast from a helium
balloon. First off Ian & I thought there was something wrong with his mike
but no that is what he sounds like when running around excited!
Even though image of
AL is shattered we had a brilliant night. Soon back at the hotel, needed a
nightcap to chill after all that excitement. There was live music in the Primo
bar but we just stayed in the lounge, which was buzzy enough, great people
watching. Our 2nd round of drinks was delayed a bit so they brought
is a complimentary glass of champagne. I had to admit defeat and we trundled
off to bed at about 1am. That is 2 late night this year and we are only half
way through the 1st month.
Another sunny day
dawns and we start with a hearty wholesome brekky, we were on the continental list but
there was hot food provided as well, really good. The service in the hotel
is exemplary, you are greeted everywhere you go nothing is too much trouble. We
will have to go back.
Next stop is the
wildlife photographer of the year exhibition. Stunning photo’s as usual. Gives
us inspiration and a longing for an adventure holiday and the opportunity to
visit some unusual places.
The weather has taken
a turn for the worse so we head for Marylebone & the train home.
What a lovely weekend. Did quite well for oldies, along with all the other oldies at the Maroon five concert. Oldies out numbered the whippersnappers by far.
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| Fortnum and Masons |
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| The wardrobe door in our room at the Park Plaza |
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| Preparing for a busy night |
