A Birthday Weekend to Remember !!
As part of Franco's (london1967) day out on Saturday we had a very special afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel. It's the hotel Kate left on the morning of her wedding to William last year, so we expecting something good, but it exceeded expectations..... as Franco said afterwards, 5* surroundings, 5* food, 5* service = 5* hotel !
Before tea we visited the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, which opened to visitors at the beginning of February. The experience of gaining entry was a touch underwhelming, we expected something slicker, but the ride in the lift to the 33nd floor took half a minute with the minimum of ear-popping, and then a second lift took us to the 68th floor and the observation deck where you get a fantastic all-round view of London and beyond, lived up to expectations. A flight of stairs up and you are on the the open-to-the-elements view deck which certainly adds to the experience with the breeze blowing around you.
During construction a fox lived for 2 weeks on the 72nd floor apparently living on the leftovers the builders had discarded, he was named Romeo and has been rehoused (probably he's the one sunbathing on our gazebo roof!)... and he even opened another opportunity for fleecing selling to the visitors..........
The only way is UP !!
After tea and a stroll through St James's Park there was just time for a quick Aperol before our visit the the theatre to see The Supreme Fabulettes ! - - - - Fabulous !
Before tea we visited the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, which opened to visitors at the beginning of February. The experience of gaining entry was a touch underwhelming, we expected something slicker, but the ride in the lift to the 33nd floor took half a minute with the minimum of ear-popping, and then a second lift took us to the 68th floor and the observation deck where you get a fantastic all-round view of London and beyond, lived up to expectations. A flight of stairs up and you are on the the open-to-the-elements view deck which certainly adds to the experience with the breeze blowing around you.
During construction a fox lived for 2 weeks on the 72nd floor apparently living on the leftovers the builders had discarded, he was named Romeo and has been rehoused (probably he's the one sunbathing on our gazebo roof!)... and he even opened another opportunity for fleecing selling to the visitors..........
The only way is UP !!
After tea and a stroll through St James's Park there was just time for a quick Aperol before our visit the the theatre to see The Supreme Fabulettes ! - - - - Fabulous !