The clock, the bridge and the wheels

More photos taken in London....

The black cab, the double decker and the red booth

Arrived into London on Boxing day.  My comment? The Boxing Day sale is extreme madness to the max!  And I thought NZ Boxing Day sale was crazy.  People queued outside Selfriges, Harrods hours before they were even open.  Then it was chicken out of the cage.  Madness.

Oxford street

People queueing outside Harrods

The sale was incredible I must say.  If you are a designer brands hunter, then you are in for a real treat.  30-70% off Chloe, Jimmy Choos, Vivienne Westwood, Ferragamo, Michael Kors etc.  How’s that for a sale!  But, that’s only if you can endure the shoulder-to-shoulder, long queues, frustrations and all.  We were walking along Oxford street, and it was so crowded that we could barely walk.  Then we saw police cordoned off a big section of the street.  Apparently, there was a fatal stabbing incident outside a store just before.  We didn’t feel easy cramming through the crowd so decided to head back to our hotel.  Empty handed of course.  Then another stabbing case at the same street later that evening. *shudder*

Nonetheless, I love London.  It is such a noble place to be in.  Londoners in general are extremely well mannered and polite.  They love to queue.  You just don’t ever cut queue.  Just don’t.  Never.  Period.

I didn’t see the Queen, nor the princes or the princess.  Not a sight of the corgis either but I saw many of their horses!  LOL

The cute little one in the park

Meet up with YH

A posh afternoon treat at The Ritz

If you are an afternoon tea lover like me, then what would be more appropriate than to experience this traditional custom in England, where it was originated.  It is even more so when it comes to The Ritz, famous for its fine afternoon tea service, popular since the hotel opened and has attracted audience from all levels including King Edward VII, Charlie Chaplin and Sir Winston Churchill.  It is legendary, they say.

The afternoon tea is served in Palm Court, a dramatic and luxurious gold and white Louis XVI style stage,  gracefully decorated with impressive marble columns, classy chandeliers, heavy curtain, mirrored backdrop and a fountain sculpture.  It is then completed with musical accompaniment by a well dressed pianist and the huge grand piano.  I have had many afternoon tea experience, but nothing even come close to this.  It is a formal affair.  Men are required to wear a jacket and tie, jeans and trainers are not permitted for all.

We checked into our booking and were ushered by the cummerbund to our table, all setup with elegant silver tea sets and fine chinaware.  We were then spoilt for choice in 17 different types of loose leaf tea.  I settled for Silver Needle white tea.  The afternoon tea includes finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked apple and raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve and delectable selection of cakes and pastries, all tastefully placed on a three tier serving stand.  And just as we finished our share of sandwiches, the cummerbund came around with a big tray of sandwiches enquiring if we would like to top up.  So it is not just the tea, but even the sandwiches are bottomless.  Eat as you wish, drink as you pleased.  As if it wasn’t enough, the cummerbund later pushed along a trolley of two big cakes to satiate your appetite.  Meticulous service!  That’s how I would put it. 

As we were all chatting away over the delicious delicacies, the pianist suddenly did a swing from the soft classical to the tune “Happy birthday….”, a birthday cake was then pushed out towards a table and we all clapped.  That’s indeed a very happy birthday!

Our afternoon tea concluded after 1:45 mins.  We both left the hotel feeling extremely pleased and satiated.

THIS, is the highlight for me in London.  A truly memorable experience.  And if I were to visit London again one day, I would return. 

La Ville-Lumière

The city transforms into heaven of lights when it dons its cloak of dusk.  The absolutely must-do in one’s lifetime - a night out marveling at the city of lights.  Your heart is forever hers!

Christmas in Paris

What more can you ask really?  

We had just the perfect Christmas eve dinner at a local restaurant.  Authentic French cuisine, delectable champagne coupled with live folk music and the oh-so-merry atmosphere.  This is what I called a merry Christmas.  Heavenly!

 Les Noces de Jeannette

Our Christmas eve dinner with the tour group

Always love strolling along Christmas market