Quick stop in London

We arrived in London a couple of days prior to departing on a cruise from Southampton. Upon arrival we boarded the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, then took a cab to one of our favorite London hotels, the Luna Simone. This family owned property is operated by Peter and Bernard (who also answers to Vernon :-)  twin sons of the founder. It is conveniently located and offers clean, comfortable rooms and first-rate customer service. A hot breakfast as well as Wi-Fi are included with the room rate, providing excellent value for your money. Mark, Bernard's son, is usually holding down front-desk duties and other family members with a few employees take care of other aspects of operating the hotel. At breakfast you should consider Peter's "Absolutely Amazing" hot chocolate. (I'm investigating registering a trade mark for him on that name.) Americans will probably like a touch of sugar (UK chocolate being superior, but less sweet, than what we're used to) and a dash of milk to cool it down works well, if needed. Don't worry too much about the calories, you'll quickly walk them off in London. If you're room isn't ready they will store your bags, allowing you to get out and about and try to work off some of your jet lag. 

During our brief stay we visited the Banqueting House for the first time. Often overlooked, it is well worth your time if you have gained some familiarity with the more well known sites in and around the city. Most noteworthy as the site of the execution of Charles I in 1649 for high treason, the Banqueting House is the last remaining vestige of the once grand and expansive Whitehall Palace. It makes a nice stopping off point for a walking tour between Westminster and Trafalgar Square, which allows you to also take in 10 Downing Street and Horse Guards Parade.

Most of our time was spent visiting old haunts such as The Constitution where, more often than not, we're recognized as "the Americans" - having visited here numerous times over the past eight or so years. We made our obligatory stop at Fortnum & Mason for afternoon tea as well as some of our favorite goodies that aren't available elsewhere before walking over to The Stafford for a pint in the American Bar.

A lunch of mussels at Belgo Centraal with good friends is always enjoyable, this time followed by a trip to the Ice Creamists in Covent Garden for some of the best ice cream we've ever had (it is now closed.) Dinner at another neighborhood favorite near Luna-Simone, O'Sole Mio, hit the spot as well.

After a whirlwind couple of days getting somewhat synced up with the time zone we were picked up by our favorite car service, Eddie Manning, for our transfer to Southampton to board the Independence of the Seas for our cruise to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands.