Stanhope Arms Pub

$$ - One evening, exhausted from the day's long walks, we decided to stay close to "home" and try a restaurant down the block just across the street from the Gloucester Underground called Stanhope Arms, a British style pub in the South Kensington area. Typical of many British pubs, as foot traffic reaches capacity inside, the overflowing drinking crowd just moves the show onto the sidewalks. Entering the pub, I knew that our body language would suggest "foreigners" but being in England I still expected to feel welcomed........and we we're.

The next table is unluckily taken by an elder couple, probably American. I say unluckily because unknown to them their table is under the big screen during a night of local football club Chelsea vs Burnley. While the couple faces inward towards the center of the pub, the rest of the eyes are facing outward towards the couple and big screen. Fortunately, some strangers join the couple's table and strike up a conversation and they become oblivious to all eyes focused in their direction.

As expected, the football crowd raucously cheers each time a goal is scored but louder when Chelsea puts the ball through the posts. Chelsea ends up winning the game 3-1.

Influenced by the British pub atmosphere it was easy to order fish and chips with a pint of the local pilsner Frontier Beer. The breaded cod with chips and peas was a generous portion.

It was also a good feeling to be only one block from "home".We were tired and we had a long day trip to Paris the next day.

The evening was full of talk about family and dreams ....how it would be so nice if we could stay in Europe for an extended time. Repeatedly, we toasted our families and how lucky we we're for the experiences we've had and the travel dreams to come.

"I don't want to go home!" .....they cry! Not a teary cry but a wishful cry. London had quickly became "our home", a place we feel secure in, a place where we think we can survive........ and thrive. We thought about what type of jobs we would get here just to be able to stay longer. Barista, flight attendant, Au Pair, study abroad...... Anything!

Over and over again during this "teaser" trip, I was reaffirmed by my niece's appreciative spirits what I already knew, that the benefits of giving material gifts won't last but helping create an experience (like travel) will.

Bibendum

Bibendum Restaurant - Located in the Michelin House on the boundary of Chelsea and South Kensington. On the bottom floor is Bibendum Oyster Bar, the second floor houses the restaurant highly rated by Zagats.

The tables in this semi-formal atmosphere were loosely arranged around a serving island with figurines of the Michelin Man about the size of a cookie jar. I suggested to my niece that one of these uncommon figurines might be a better gift for her mom than a gnome.

Tonight, my nieces and I are joined by my Londoner friend Kylie whom I have not seen in three years and humorously remind us Americans of the many grammatical differences of English words used by both countries.

The Borough Market we visited this morning is pronounced "bureau" not "burro" as in donkey or jackass ......... and businessmen carry satchels rather than briefcases.

I ordered the rabbit with panchetta. It tasted similar to chicken but with a chewier consistency. I tried not to visualize the cute wild rabbits I often saw at home when I walked my dog in the mornings.


Being in London, my nieces opted for the more traditional fish and chips in an elegant presentation.... no cardboard boat with a packet of malt vinegar... and accompanied with a Cosmopolitan and Sparkling champagne. And yes, the drinking age here is 18 my younger niece reminds us.

When I am on vacation, I usually allow myself or my party one fancy dinner and tonight was it. The staff was attentive making for a pleasant and "lovely" evening of conversation about family, friends, and dreams. $$$$