The day started with a fire alarm. Yes, we had a fire alarm at 8:05 am on a Sunday morning. It was the first time that this has ever happened to me while at a hotel. I was a bit scarred so I just put on my bathrobe, grabbed my purse and went down stairs. My husband put his clothes on. I was glad to see that I wasn’t the only one wearing a St. Ermin’s bathrobe. At least I did put on my shoes, there were so many people barefoot. I am glad it wasn’t raining. It was a bit difficult to get everyone to move away from the building and stay off the road but they managed.
After every one was outside a fire engine finally arrived. I hope that they would have better response time if there was indeed a fire because half of the building would have burned down by then, including my suitcase. Since it was a false alarm we were given the go ahead to get back to our rooms.
One of the things I enjoy the most in all of our trips throughout the world, is the opportunity to attend church. You get to see the faith and good works of the people. You get to feel of their spirit and you have something very special in common, the love of God. This time was not any different. I was especially touched by the message of being converted to the church and being converted to the gospel. Sometimes we just go through the motions and miss out on the true reason- our Savior. We even heard President Obama-woe speak. How cool is that? They have a President Obama!!!
We took a leisurely stroll from Hyde Park to Lush Spa in Chelsea. We saw several lovely squares, beautiful houses and had fun looking at all the Fiats. (I want a Fiat cabrio for my 40th birthday). At the Lush Spa I had the Good Hour Massage. My masseur was David. It was a very good hour. He beat me up good and while I hurt for a day or so my carpal tunnel feels a lot better. The spa is in the basement of their King’s Road store. As soon as you enter it feels like you are in someone’s kitchen. The treatment is explained to you, you get to choose your massage bar and then you go to the treatment room. They drop one of their yummy bath bombs into a fog machine so you get a mist. The music is nautical to accompany the treatment. It is a very deep tissue massage hence the pain. I loved the attention to detail, the coziness of the spa and the welcoming feel. After your treatment is over you are treated to tea, biscuits and some fruit. It was a great way to relax after tax season.
We had a great pizza at the Chelsea Farmer’s market nearby. We also window shopped at some great home decorating stores. I simply love English style.
This trip we have taken the bus more than the tube. Our hotel is a central location and makes it convenient. I have to say I have enjoyed seeing more of town and not having to transfer between lines.
No trip to London would be complete without eating at a Pub. We ate at a pub near our hotel. We ate one of their specials, it included fish and chips, bangers and mash and Yorkshire pudding, peas and some other fried seafood. I am too old to eat fried food and prefer eating lighter. But it is a cultural experience that every one must enjoy.
Dream of Traveling 