Impulsive Christmas Trip

[amaroo]

To round the day off we had a night at the Threate. Amongst other things the The Goring Virtuoso benefits provided US$200 F&B credit ..... so the four us enjoyed their Pre Threate Dinner.

Very nice meal!



The Threate is around the corner from The Goring - Victoria Palace Threate

The show was Hamilton..



We’ve also seen it in New York ... which I would rate was the better performance.

 

[RooFlyer]

No photos in the Abbey.

I re-visited the Abbey for the first time in many years, last year. I was one of the first admitted for the day and was genuinely unaware of no photos (which I think is a bit crook). I managed to get about half way through before some very irate verger-type chipped me.

Many times I've though about getting a hidden body camera, activated by button in pocket to counter the 'no photo' rules where there appears no good reason for it (ie no delicate paintings etc). One of the places I would have most liked to have taken pics is the Russian State 'Diamond fund' exhibition in the Kremlin. Literally buckets of diamonds; gold nuggets like boulders strewn around ...

 

[VPS]

I re-visited the Abbey for the first time in many years, last year. I was one of the first admitted for the day and was genuinely unaware of no photos (which I think is a bit crook). I managed to get about half way through before some very irate verger-type chipped me.

Many times I've though about getting a hidden body camera, activated by button in pocket to counter the 'no photo' rules where there appears no good reason for it (ie no delicate paintings etc). One of the places I would have most liked to have taken pics is the Russian State 'Diamond fund' exhibition in the Kremlin. Literally buckets of diamonds; gold nuggets like boulders strewn around ...

Let me know when you find a reasonably priced good one. I agree with you. The Amber room in St Petersburg was one where I would love to have had some good photos.

 

[amaroo]

Last day in London ... and the holiday. With Late checkout sorted (another Virtuoso benefit) we headed off for a walk in Hyde Park.



The Serpentine










Kensington Gardens



Kingsington Palace .... do you remember the huge numbers of flowers left in front of this gate after the death of Princess Di

 

[amaroo]

The most expensive street in the UK, and #2 in the world - Kensington Palace Garden. Average price for a house on this street will see you cough up around £36M.

Being so close to Kensington Palace the street does have a heavy security presence, but the street is open and you can take your time admiring some absolutely magnificent estates. There are many signs stating no photos, but I snuck a couple of the more modest properties.

This street has some major mansions and is well worth walking when in the area.



We headed down Bayswater towards Mayfair and then wound our way back to Parliament.... the protesters were still hard at it.



Walk back to the hotel where hopefully QF chauffeur drive will show up.

 

[amaroo]

QF chauffeur driver did turn up as booked

We lost time in the blackhole that is VAT refund .... what a PITA system.

QF LHR lounge and their two tiered drinks menu .... I guess that’s how they rank the top three in QFF world.



QF F LHR-SIN .... onboard and ready to go!



The menus...

 

[amaroo]

The selection..



The meals didn’t present well, but tasted ok ..... more J than F, as is the wine selection.

Always sleep well in QF F, managed to get a solid 7 + hours.

 

[RooFlyer]

How did the kids fare on the return?

 

[amaroo]

Shower and bite to eat in the SIN lounge... soon enough it was time to board.



Back in the saddle ready to go.



The menus .... only posting the items that were different from the LHR-SIN sector.







The selection...










These meals presented and tasted better. Another solid 6 + hours sleep ..... when I woke up I was a P1

 

[amaroo]

How did the kids fare on the return?

I’d forgotten all about that saga, not good at all. The tube was full to the brim and they were made to sit in whY the whole way home.

Son didn’t care, but the daughter wasn’t happy.

 

[amaroo]

Oops, I posted the wrong menus. This is the menu for the SIN-SYD sector

 

[RooFlyer]

Son didn’t care, but the daughter wasn’t happy.

I'm sure that's what they call 'character building'

 

[amaroo]

Approaching SYD



Bus over to the SYD DOM J lounge .... where I saw a fellow using a Dyson

QF J SYD-BNE



Bags were out smartly and two QF chauffeur drivers were waiting for us

It was a really nice family holiday. Thanks for tagging along.

Next TR will be in a month or so .... a mini TR on Blanket Bay Lodge.

 

[VPS]

Thanks for such an extensive TR and some amazing photos. It's great to reminisce about places I have also visited and get excited about new places. I know how time consuming TR are so well done.

 

[Flashback]

The most expensive street in the UK, and #2 in the world - Kensington Palace Garden. Average price for a house on this street will see you cough up around £36M.

Being so close to Kensington Palace the street does have a heavy security presence, but the street is open and you can take your time admiring some absolutely magnificent estates. There are many signs stating no photos, but I snuck a couple of the more modest properties.

This street has some major mansions and is well worth walking when in the area.

I had a wander down there in the last week actually, popped into the Nepal embassy to get my visa sorted (flight arrives in KTM late so would rather get straight through rather than doing the VOA route which can take time). A good chunk of the street appears to be embassies, some of them for countries that you wouldn't expect. I wonder how they afford it?

 

[clipped_wings]

@amaroo, I think I speak for everyone here when I say:

Will you pleeeease adopt me?

 

[clipped_wings]

In all seriousness, thank you for allowing us to share such an incredible journey with your family. This was by far, the most wonderful way to live vicariously through someone else's holiday.

You obviously place a great deal of emphasis on the culinary experience of the places you visit. I for one, have devoured each review with the anticipation of an anonymous guest seated at your table. I've hovered over the Winner button, waiting for the next installment to surpass the previous. And it did - plus those hotel photos are mesmerising!

It's like turning the pages of some gorgeous, glossy first edition book. Your photos are eloquent enough to need little description. But your observations are a delicious mix of humility and pride.

I especially loved your comment about art. Some love it - and some don't. You nailed it! That is the epitome of art - it's not there to be loved. It's there to stir conversation and inspire emotion. I've been an artist for over 50 years and I salute your simple interpretation.

Looking forward to the next report

 

[LadyC]

Thanks very much for posting - very comprehensive and enjoyable. And I am very jealous!

 

[drron]

Great TR.Even we are now considering a driving tour of Spain and Portugal.

 

[tgh]

I would have failed miserably attempting to appreciate the Gastronomic "smorgasbord" but it was indeed a fantastic tr.. very well done (applause)