Hello, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Diwali, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, Happy Kwanzaa … greetings, my friends. It’s been that long.
The last part of 2023 swallowed me whole. I embarked upon my 18th year of teaching, and it appears that this will be my most challenging yet. It took me by surprise. Thoughts of the school day and of my students and their families consumed me in both my waking and non-waking hours. The good news is that I have regained some calm and have some small victories under my belt. I am feeling more optimistic, and the hugs that third graders offer will keep me afloat.
But also, so will my sweet family. Though work has been a challenge, my family and I shared a lovely fall, and we capped it off with our kids’ first trip abroad. We chose Thanksgiving week to jetset off to London, and we had the best time. It was a fantastic trip, both a respite and an adventure. Settle in, if you like, and join us for our hop across the pond.
I will begin with boring logistical details, but worth noting for those with children. We flew Air Canada, which required a layover. This was preferred, as we liked the idea of breaking up the flight with time to stretch our legs and grab a meal. We flew through Montreal and had a great experience with the airline. Harper and Jameson loved that everything was in both English and French. Plus, from Montreal, London was only a quick 5.5 hour flight.
We arrived in London on a cloudy Tuesday morning. From Heathrow, we hopped on the Elizabeth Line and headed toward city center to check in early to our hotel. We stayed at the Park Plaza County Hall. The location was terrific, near Waterloo station and an easy walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben, Parliament, and so forth. We stayed in a family room that afforded us some extra space to spread out and also included a full English breakfast. After a quick shower refresh, we were excited to hit the streets and check things out! Harper and Jameson were troopers, yawning a bit but ready to go.
We spent the first afternoon walk, walk, walking! We spotted Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. We stopped to people watch and caught glimpses of the double decker buses and black taxis. We took pictures in the telephone booths and did all things “classic touristy” while trying our best to ignore our jet lag. By late afternoon, we were ready for pick-me-up so we hopped on the tube and zipped over to Harrods. We explored their magnificent food halls and purchased chocolate (for ourselves) and mince pies (for Grandpa). Then, we ate an early supper at the Harrods Cafe. Jameson was pleased to have what he refers to as the “best chicken Kiev ever.” We felt satisfied and sleepy and contentedly introduced to the city. After a brisk walk to enjoy the holiday lights and to glimpse the Eye, we were ready for an early bedtime.
It is safe to say, we were all asleep by 7:15 p.m. At 12:30 a.m., we were all in states of awakeness … some of us reading, some of us half asleep/half mumbling. But, the good news was, we all fell deeply asleep again a couple hours later, and before we knew it, it was 9:00 a.m. in London. We were energized and ready for our first full day.
Where to first? Breakfast. The hotel laid out quite a spread. Harper said she’s never seen so many tomatoes on a breakfast board. Jason indulged in the English tradition of beans on toast, and Jameson stayed safely in his pastry world. There was something for everyone, and we felt grateful to have a hot meal in us before we headed out to explore.
Where to next? Baker Street to explore the avenues of Sherlock Holmes and to visit Madame Tussaud’s Was Museum. Of course, this was a hit with the kids! The streets were dressed up in their holiday finest, and people were bustling about. The tubes were packed, and that good city feeling was evident. The museum was thoroughly entertaining. Harper and Jameson walked from room to room wondering who might be around the next corner.
Next stop: the beautiful Westminster Abbey. We purchased a self-guided tour, which was wonderful and had great options for kids and families. This place would end up being Harper’s favorite of the trip. Jameson was fascinated by the tombs, and Jason and I enjoyed reminiscing about the last time the two of us had been. The quire is still my favorite part, but I also love the courtyard and the old stone steps and the tiny doors. This place is certainly special.
Before leaving for London, I had done a little research about great places for children’s tea. Fortunately for us, the St. Ermin’s Hotel was both a great recommendation as well as being within close walking distance to Westminster Abbey. After our exploring, tea was a perfect afternoon treat. The hotel was beautiful and pristine inside. Harper and Jameson were both happy to sip on cocoa and feast on the pastries and scones. Jason and I were happy campers, too, comforted into a state of sugary, warm bliss.
After tea, we took a stroll through the lovely streets of London and made a nighttime stop at the palace. Just had to say hello to the King.
Our last stop of the day was a ride on the London Eye. It was a beautiful evening, not a breeze or a raindrop in sight. London was lit up and showing off. Jason is not fond of heights, but he was a good sport. We loved this, and it was certainly memorable.
After a quick late night bite at our hotel, we were ready for ready to crawl into our beds. It had been a terrific day, one that brought many smiles and positive new experiences. Isn’t travel wonderful?
