Oak Street Ranch

Reign Reign Go Away

Greetings All,

We're in London, and taking in yet another part of the Europe experience.
As discussed already - plusses: Being able to understand the street signs, menus, people talking on the street, etc.

Minus' - Number one on the list - traditional UK weather. Last night it was simply hazy and chilly, with a misting of rain. Today, full-on, UK wind, rain and cold. It hearkens me back to my years in Oregon (only, with the OBVIOUS differences in culture and opportunity). Yes, its ugly weather. Particularly after a brilliant week in Italy of sun and relaxation. Another interesting difference - Where in Italy, we were off in "vacation" locations - here in London, we're obviously in the center of the city, with people going to work, commuting, running errands, etc. A much brisker pace of life.

Its all part of a great adventure. We're enjoying it - even as time winds down to our departure back to the States! We're absolutely looking forward to that as well.

But, the specifics:
Last night - a walk out on the town. We were given a recommendation for a nice little restaurant and pub nearby - but when we arrived, we decided it wasn't the "authentic" experience we were looking for. It was the more generic, pasta, choice of broiled fish with mixed vegetables type of place that you could have here, in Italy, or in Century City.
So - more walking (part of the thousand mile march we're on this trip). We stumbled upon a TON of restaurants, bars and clubs. We decided upon "The Trafalgar." A pub populated by locals out for a pint and a bite. After work, or before going out on the town. We ordered a couple of pints and a couple of fish and chips from the bar and waited. The fish was good - as were the chips. Even Jen enjoyed them with some malt vinegar, etc. I mean, if Jen was saying she liked fish, you know its going to be good. (But as we observed, baked/deep fried fish and potato, you can't go wrong.)

This morning -- Rain. Followed by some cold and a little more rain.
These are not the days for an open top double decker bus, or a boat ride on the Thames. We do have plans for some museums. But, today - shopping mission.
Jen was a woman on a quest. We hit the highlights, and along the way, saw a few things. We took the Tube to Picadilly Circus. Saw the famouse intersection/square. Walked down Oxford Street. What is Oxford Street, you ask? Imagine taking 3rd Street, the Century City mall and South Coast Plaza, and stretch them out over blocks, and put them in historic, several hundred year old buildings. We went to Selfridges, H&M, Top Shop, Harrods and others. The department store trend in the UK seems to be to include cafes and restaurants. Its definitely impressive. We had lunch at Sainsburys - the salt beef and pastrami - delicious. Rivals any NY deli.

Selfridges is huge, its like the Knotts Berry Farm of Shopping - the different areas, the brands, 5 stories, etc. Sainsburys also has a "food" area, sort of like putting Gelsons inside of Macys. But, it was cool. They ALSO have a tobacconist - Cigars and cigarettes. Remember - no embargo. Its not cheap but it is Cuban.

Then - there's Harrods. Ok - this place is HUGE. If Selfridges is the Knotts Berry Farm of shopping, then Harrods is the Disneyland. The "food halls" alone are the size of a good chunk of Century City Mall - There is a champagne and oyster bar (as well as one in Selfridges), there's a charcuterie, a wine and cheese bar, a spanish tapas and wine area, and a whole host of other stuff. Its just overwhelming. Then you start down the "egyptian halls," and the shopping is an elegant, expansive experience.

Tonight - plans for Hakasan. A hip asian fusion place, which has gotten a lot of good press. This will mean some more Tube rides.

We also plan to hit the Natural History museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and weather permitting, a great tour of historic sites, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, etc.

Hopefully the sun is shining on you wherever you are reading this.

Cheers

posted by Mitch @ 7:54 AM