This visit to London is a work visit.  I have been looking at new flats to offer for the Olympic Games period  and have been staying in different flats which I have known but not stayed in before.  It has been a work-out moving from flat to flat, but I learn a lot about being “an arrival” several times.  I decided this morning, after a long sleep after Paris, that I would post a few comments about “first errands” when visitors arrive in London.

We at the London Connection have put adapters in all the flats several times.  In all my visits, I have not seen one adapter.  I realize that people use them and forget to leave them behind for the next visitor, but the situation has become almost out-of-hand–visited 13 flats so far, and no adapter to be seen anywhere.  Yikes.

So, I decided that a visitor has to be prepared to run a few errands to the local magazine shop after his orientation to his flat.  I suggest three purchases which will really help you get started on your visit.  Ask your let-in person where the local magazine shop is.  She will know.

I suggest you buy 2/3 power adapters–one for your computer, one for your phone, and one for your camera charger.  Or get one charger, and rotate the charging.  I prefer 3 adapter.    The second purchase should be a magazine called A-Z which is your little book of maps and tube directions.  Perfect when you are trying to get somewhere and don’t want to ask everyone on every corner.  The third purchase is the TIME OUT LONDON.  There are many articles and suggestions for what is happening in London.

Sorry about the adapters.  I just can’t keep the flats filled with the gadgets.  They are like the lost socks–where in the world are they?  They cost 4.95 pounds each and are readily available in every book shop or electrics shop all around the flats.

Ah, forgot!  One of the visitors I was talking to reminded me to warn visitors to bring their downloading adapters for their camera so they can send photos to friends and family while they are in London.  I know I love to do this, and families enjoy watching family and friends on a fun trip.  Heads up!

I hope this is helpful.

Thomas Moore   email:  TMooreSr@me.com    Telephone:  801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

My flight was fantastic.  I arrived at the airport in Salt Lake two hours before departure, as required.  I never understand how they charge for baggage;  it changes from flight to flight.  My last flight to London a couple of months ago, Transatlantic flights allowed two bags.  Well, now Delta allows one piece of baggage free and then a $50.00 surcharge  for the second bag.  Just give them the credit card because the poor lady at the check-in desk could hardly remember what the new policy was herself–poor lady.  We had a laugh together.  I ate my apple and boarded.  Landing in New York at JFK is always exciting.  The Old Statue standing “out there” always gives me a warm feeling.  I walked to my next boarding gate which posted this amazing sign advertising KLM, DELTA, AND AIR FRANCE, but it read that the next departure was leaving at 6:30 pm for Heathrow.  Again, I thought to myself that the entire world of travel changes almost daily.  So?  I just go right along, enjoying the ride.  At 5:45 pm I was the first to board and settled in with my reading material, ready to enjoy a flight that once took my ancestors six weeks to make.  I met a lovely Israeli young lady who is also a gardener as well as a couple that were returning to England after a wonderful trip from Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary 2.  We compared notes.  Really fun.  Nice people–got me talking about my ancestors.  It was really pleasant.  The thing about traveling is the fabulous world out there eager to hook up with other travelers.  It is a continuing education;  people are so interesting.

I love arriving at HEATHROW AIRPORT because the whole world seems to be there.  People from all over the world in their native dress join together and face Her Majesty’s Custom officials who all have that YOU’RE GUILTY look.  I walked on through to be greeted by my dear MAUREEN WALKER, one of my dearest friends who has been meeting guests for our company for over twenty years.  Her dear husband JIMMY WALKER was our first driver 25 years ago, and Maureen has carried on his good work.  We hugged, drove through central London to one of our flats in Mayfair where I am staying while our  London home is having some “damp” repairs.

I love our flats.  They are located in spectacular locations, beautifully decorated, and well appointed.  They are filled with interesting decorative items which I enjoying looking at.

I have laid out my computer, phone, and cameras–all ready to go to work on my blog and love London.  Oh, I certainly feel home here.

I bank with Lloyds, and my branch is on Berkeley Square.  By the way, if anyone needs banking help, go see our friend MARGARET O’SULLIVAN who is the CUSTOMER ASSISTANT in the 14 Berkeley Square Branch.  She sits at the desk just inside the door, and her lovely smile and gentle way are so attractive.  I got the big HELLO, and the typical HOW LONG ARE YOU HERE FOR?  I tell her I am here this time for a month, and she replies:  OH GOOD, WE WILL SEE LOTS OF YOU, THEN.  If my readers need help or advice, or want to open a sterling account, visit my friend MARGARET O’SULLIVAN, and tell her Thomas Moore sent you.  You will get first class assistance.

Off to Sainsbury’s I went for a bit of shopping:  milk, egg-and-bacon sandwiches, eggs, orange juce, toast, butter, and my favorite English jams and honey.  I loaded up with all the items I can’t get at home, and whistled the blocks to the flat with a huge smile on my face–ear to ear.    I have been doing this same routine for 40 years, and the only thing that has changed is where I am staying and the weather.  I LOVE IT.

I returned to my flat, had one of my sandwiches and a glass of milk–that rich, English milk that tastes like the milk I used to drink at my grandmother’s years ago.  I reluctantly unpack my cases, take a shower, and hop into bed for a short nap–and of course I fall sound asleep, happy to be here and eager to head out on my evening walk down the Mall, looking at all the ships on the top of the light posts down this very gorgeous mall.  Evening lingers on this time of year, and the evenings are glorious.  The fall shadows are getting longer, but there are still traces of summer in the air.  I walk with a cane/umbrella– just in case.  And I assure you, I am whistling all the way.

Back to the flat to watch the evening news, hear what Tony Blair is up to, checking on David Cameron, and hearing how the Queen is enjoying her stay in Scotland, at Balmoral.  Goodness, how can it be better.

I can’t wait to visit you in London.  You will love it.

Thomas Moore   email:  TMooreSr@me.com    Telephone:  801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com