Jour 1, 28 avril 2024

 I came back again to this city that makes me so happy. Every time, I fear that the magic will disappear. But that never happened. As soon as I start the planning, I'm in a “cloud nine” mood.

So this time… The flight went well despite a 45 minute delay. Everyone on British Airways is so nice and polite. They make everyone feel like a VIP. I think it's worth paying a little more and being more comfortable traveling at night. I slept a little, 5 or 10 minutes each time, but I dozed off a good part of the journey. 

We arrive at Heathrow 30 minutes late. Even after all the escalators and the train to get from area C to area A, of Terminal 5, I manage to get out with my checked bags in 30 minutes.  (An unthinkable feat following an international trip to P.E.-Trudeau.)  My driver was there, waiting for me with my name written on a sign. I asked him if he could call the owner of the house to let her know I was on my way. He offers to give me his cell phone but I ask him to call for me. I'm not fluent in English, I'm almost deaf especially after a flight, and the cell phone isn't optimal for sound. His response: “Of course ma’am!” A true gentleman. With a brand new Mercedes, he drives me to what would be my home for the next 17 days.

As for the house, it is a typical English town house. Nothing comparable to last year's big house, but absolutely British style. So cute with it pinky door !  We can see the signs of the age of the house; the carpets are worn, some furniture could benefit from being renovated, but it is comfortable, clean and rather well located.

My plans for the day changed because I arrived a little later and it was raining.

First, I had a light lunch at St-George. It was so cool! I ate a roll with a cappuccino, surrounded by a crowd of young people and with Beatles music playing in the background. What more can I ask for?? I was seating there, alone, with a smile in my face.  Happy and so grateful to be able to experience this.

Un souvenir pour Louise .  😉

Then I went for a walk in the streets around the house. I saw a small place that I had never seen before. I also notice some lovely new shops on King’s Road. Then I went shopping for our breakfast. 

Before going for supper I walked around near the square I saw earlier. I passed in a small but beautiful park : St-Luke.  The sun was out, so it brought out the beauty even more. 

  

For my early supper ( I have to go to sleep soon!) I went in a local pizzeria.  There was such a crowd, even so early.  I was lucky to have a place, in a small corner. I obviously brought half my pizza back. Will we eat it? I don't know, but I couldn't leave it there to be thrown away.

Well, I am done.  It is almost 19h.  I am about to go to sleep.  I wont need a lulaby to fall a sleep.  😜

8235 steps today. Not bad, knowing the count started only after I arrive near 13h and it finish so early.