#146 - Just say cheese!

 After another fitful night sleep, I met my college chum and we went to the Somerset House to see their collection, then to have a quick drink before the Pick & Cheese *unlimited cheese on conveyor belt with some flavored accompanyment that went with each bite.  We had 1.5 hours total but didn't need all that time.  We were full after an hour.  It was divine!  Then the National Portrait Gallery where we saw the SIX exhibit about the six wives of Henry VIII.  Lovely.  Did a bunch of walking about Covent Garden, and then off to Rules, one of the oldest bars in London (1728).  Had lovely cocktails, then her daughter joined us which was amazing!  After that, we went to have some lovely pastas that we shared before they headed back to Charing Cross to train home.

Tomorrow, off to Bordeaux.  The castle and the experience awaits!

#145 - Hooray for Bollywood

Had a simply smashing day today.  Slept until 8:20 am after several fits and starts.  Went to the National Gallery which was simply lovely (and filled with loads of schoolchildren groups).  Then, popped into the National PORTRAIT gallery and back to the hotel for some painting before High Tea at the Savoy.  It did not disappoint!  Charming, beautiful and delicious.  Expensive yes, but the sandwiches were unlimited, and so were the pastries!  My lovely server Deepra was efficient, friendly and so accommodating.  Had two types of tea - one with savories and one with sweets - and indulged in the champagne, as well as the HIGH tea (which included a hot dish- amazing!).  Came back to the hotel for more painting, and then, a wonderful one night production called "Mrs. Kapoor's daughter's wedding 2 Mauritius.  A fantastic show with bollywood dancing, gurjarati dialogue, and a silly, funny overall mood.  The audience was filled with Indians, and I take it this has been done before numerous times in one night productions on the West End.  Back to the hotel where I did more painting, streamed a Netflix movie and had some leftover snacks with tea.  Now, I'm trying to get myself to sleep.  Ah well, making the most of my time in London town.

Tomorrow is the Pick and Cheese with my college chum.  One more glorious day in London before heading off to the castle!

#144 - Does anybody really know what time it is?

It was a rainy first day in London and now it's 2:53 am London time (but only 6:53 pm yesterday at home).  I was a bit whacked out from the flight.  I was able to get about 4 hours of sleep in chunks and so I opted to spend the big bucks to take a taxi to the hotel from Heathrow.  What a lovely place The Resident Covent Garden is!  Had my room ready, with a handwritten note in it.  The room is not too big but oh, it's beautiful, with a little kitchenette, fridge, microwave, hot kettle and one of those type of pod coffee makers.  Lovely towels, real glasses in the bathroom, and what a terrific location!  Right on the Strand.

I went first to the currency exchange;  got pounds and Euros which might not have been the smartest to do, since they first converted everything to pounds then some of that to Euros.  Ah well - it's only money.

Then off to the Jubilee Market (antique/flea market that's lovely)and found some adorable ephemera, came back to the room and rested (nearly fell asleep) before heading up to Dishoom for dinner.  Luckily, I had made a reservation so I didn't need to wait in the line, which was a block long by the time I finished.  And very happy to have brought home a basmati rice pudding for dessert, which I've just eaten.  Fantastic!

Then, I was able to catch a glass of wine in the 6-7 pm daily event in the small lobby of the hotel.  Everyone here is so very nice!!!  Drank some and brought it upstairs, watched some game show and then my favorite - The Repair Shop! - and did a first painting in my sketr journal.  All in all, a lovely day in spite of some rain.

Now, 3:02 am, full belly and ready for more sleep (I sure hope so).  Looking forward to tomorrow's fun.  I love being on my own this trip, though I was ready to punch the hubby when he mentioned - as he was driving me to the airport - that he wished he could be coming with me.   Grrrrrr!

Ok, one down, two to go before I head to the main event.

#143-It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a solo adventure

Well, here I am about to embark on an adventure that has been in the works for almost a full year.  First, fun in London and a visit with my dear college chum, then off to the castle.  Yes, I’m actually going to a castle for a screenwriting retreat.  Finally will get some what I hope will be good industry feedback from some professionals.  That the hope.  Maybe even an industry connection or 3.  At least I know I will meet a wide variety of writers from around the world. The script?  It’s all about the Vault goddess of course.  And the rest of my siblings as well.

I’m going to try and blog each day.  And also do some painting of some kind.  After all, that’s why I’m bringing the new little palette with me.

And so it begins.  See you on the other side of the pond!