First Day

We had a rough flight with the headache of the decade and US AIrways' notoriously impudent service. Still, we arrived excited (or I was) and found my parents very easily, and after a few detours in London (just like last time) found my husband's aunt, our hostess. She was immediately warm and gracious and wonderful...and even though I was nervous about invading, it was so good to see her after so long (they've been there over 2 years) that I settled in immediately.

Flat 4 was a sight to behold - in a very posh neighborhood with all kinds of fine cars the likes of which have not even been seen stateside, apparently, but the apartment is just right and tidy and British. We were served scones, black currant jam, and clotted cream almost immediately. Thank goodness, cause then we walked, I don't know, 6 miles?

We put my parents and their aching feet on a tour bus and set off. My children were fairly whiny, jet-lagged, and not loving London yet. As you can tell from the picture: no smiles, and one child not even visible. I told them to suck it up and off we went: Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Parliment, Westminster Abbey, Marble Arch, and I don't know what all else. The first visit to Trafalgar Square cheered the children immensely. Of course! All they want to do is climb and run, and here are the largest lion sculptures this side of Vegas, just for the climbing.


Back to the flat where the children passed out and we enjoyed chili and wine with our darling relatives and their funtastic London tales, plus big-time political talk (uncle is with a major news outlet) with a distinctly British perspective, then bed for good good sleep. Even though we each had a child in our twin bed. Don't worry, they calmed down eventually.

I don't know if I'll bore you further with these diary-type entries, but it helps me remember the nuances of the trip. I should also tell you that I love that Rick Steves, if only because he wrote something that better illustrates my travel philosophy, nay, my family philosophy, than almost anything yet. Well, that and he's on the board of NORML:

Of course, travel, like the world, is a series of hills and valleys. Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic.

Read the whole passage here.