Part 2: London
Arrived safely and without fuss. My fabulous clients had arranged for us and David to have a driver take us into the city. They even had a car seat already in the car for us — strange thing being that in the UK a child of one year (and up) does not need to be rear-facing. When in Rome 🙂
London for me was work. I woke up and left before Jack did and was back at the hotel to change for dinner plans, seeing Bill and Jack for 15 minutes or so. On about the third night, while talking, we realized that they had discovered The Audley — a local pub about two streets from the hotel — and they were taking the “early” shift as patrons and the client team and I were there “after 8”.
The hotel was absolutely amazing — The Grosvenor House, on the edge of Hyde Park. Case in point: when walking to our room we see the entire hallway lined with stainless steel chests — apparently part of the Omani royal family move in every summer. Their security guards who patrolled certainly made me feel safe; or stalked. And, because this was a fancy hotel, they don’t get too many one-year-olds running around — as a result, Jack was the receiver of many affections from the wait staff and the Starbucks staff. Case in point: on the last day, the barista at the hotel Starbucks sent him away with a little stuffed Grosvenor House dog which I’m pretty sure had a price tag equivalent to $25. I suppose we spent more in coffee.
Bill was a rock star at being a single dad. Armed with a daily Starbucks from the hotel, a stroller and a London map, I think they walked at least 6 miles everyday. Definitely seeing London from a different angle than most tourists. And, because Dad isn’t an anxious mess in unfamiliar situations like Mom, Jack was his usual mellow self and fell right into his usual routine. Except for the one meltdown at the Tower of London; surely we remember that eating is and will always be a priority for the little man.
Each night, I was able to catch up on what they did that day by sifting through the photos in the camera…here’s a glimpse of Jack the Lad in London:
With the Olympics just a little over a month away, and the memories of the Queen’s Jubilee from the month before, the city was in full swing. It was an awesome time to be there and experience a little national pride, which is usually hidden behind gloomy weather and grumblings of Parliament. Keep the bunting going England, it’s a good look on you.
Next up: how the common folk live, Newcastle.
The Hauer Family 