I detest the term “bucket list” since it brings up the specter of our own mortality. However, I did just have a holiday that I had been dreaming of for ages. 

 I found a trusty and knowledgeable companion to travel with me, and we set off on the sojourn of my dreams – a week-long trip to London with visits to some of the great homes I have longed to see as well as a generous sampling of West End theater.  It was fabulous!

 My friend Marystephanie and I got together some months ago to begin planning this adventure.  I had created a list of English palaces, estates, and museums I wanted to visit, and we set about creating an itinerary.  

A seasoned traveler, Marystephanie set about checking logistics and figuring out transport and meals.  I, with help from my daughter Liz and son-in-law Peter, worked on travel, accommodations, and West End shows.

At the end of our planning, we had made ourselves quite an ambitious schedule.  Our six days in and outside of London were shaping up quite nicely.

I had never before made up my own schedule for a trip.  In the past, my vacations had either been a tour of a travel company’s design or a loose idea of things I wanted to see when visiting someplace.  But our plan was locked down with tickets purchased and days planned out.  If I do say so, it was impressive, if perhaps a tad overly ambitious.

 We arrived at the airport, had a bite to eat, and soon it was time to board our 7 p.m. flight to London Heathrow.

 Our flight was uneventful, except for the wonderful ice cream sundae I had for dessert!  Before we knew it, we had touched down at Heathrow and were wending our way through the long, empty hallways one encounters when landing in Europe early in the morning.  We breezed through passport control and were soon in a car making our way to our home for the week, The Kensington Hotel.

Of course, we were way too early to expect to be let into our rooms, so we repaired to the restaurant for some breakfast (mostly more coffee!). 

 Then we were off to the first must-see on our list – the Churchill War Rooms.  Using the Citymapper app on our phones, we determined the easiest way to get there was to take the tube, aka London’s subway.  We headed out, and after a few errant turns, found our way to the South Kensington tube station. 

And here I must take a moment to praise the London Underground.  The stations are very well-marked and easy to navigate, the cars are clean and graffiti-free, and more than once gentlemen stood up so that we were able to sit down on the train!  (It’s great to be an old lady vintage female!)

 Also, at every entrance/exit in every station we visited, there was someone there to monitor and provide help as needed.  Also, all you need to do is use your credit card or phone to enter (and exit) the station.

After a few stops, we arrived at Westminster Station and were ready to see Sir Winston’s War Rooms. About which, more next week….