Same Language or no?

We both speak English....the USA and England. Or do we?

Here's one last post before crossing the pond!

Could you get caught with your "pants" down?

Enjoy this info from Trip Advisor:
Clothing:  The word "pants" means underwear in Britain.  What Americans would refer to as "pants" are called "trousers" in the UK. Y-fronted underpants are also known as "Y-fronts" or  "undies".

'Sweaters' are known as 'jumpers'. Also "trainers" are tennis shoes or sneakers.  You'll often see "no trainers" listed in the dress code of clubs.

Places: Main Road = Highway, Slip Road = Off Ramp, Motorway = Freeway, Petrol Station/Filling Station = Gas Station,
Level Crossing = Railroad Crossing,
Zebra Crossing = Pedestrian Crossing,
Off Licence/Off Sales = Liquor Store,
Public Toilet = Restroom; 
Chemist = Drug Store

Foods:  Aubergine = eggplant, courgette = zucchini, baps/muffins/barmcakes = soft rolls, (bap is also a term for breasts so is best avoided),
white coffee = coffee with milk, biscuit = cookie, chips = fat french fries, crisps = chips,
coriander = cilantro, bangers = sausages,
mash=mashed potatoes,
piece (Scotland only) = sandwich,
jam = preserve - a term that is often also used for jam, Jelly is not something you put on toast but a childrens sweet desert that comes in a variety of colours.

Misc: lift = elevator, queue = line, bin = trash, brilliant = wonderful,
"I'll give you a lift" = "I'll give you a ride",
"I'll give you a ring/bell" = "I'll call you",
pissed = drunk (not angry),
"boot" used in context of a car = "trunk",
Petrol = Gas/Gasoline, Cashpoint/Hole In The Wall = ATM,
ground floor = first floor
Hand signals:  There's only one that really matters.  When you're indicating the number "two" with your fingers (as in, "two pints, please", it is advised to use your thumb and first finger, NOT your first and middle fingers.  If that "V" gesture is used with nails facing the person you're talking to, it is construed as raising the middle finger would be elsewhere (the middle finger raise also being offensive in the UK).

If you are going to use the "V" to indicate two, face the palm towards the person you're addressing.
The "F" word!  Fanny, that is. In the UK,  this is a word used for the female genitals.  The English equivalent for fanny is "bum" (fanny packs being called bum bags).
Another "F" word to be aware of is "fag", which in Britain is a slang word for 'cigarette' - not the modern US usage of a derogatory term for a homosexual man - so do not fret if you hear the sentence in a bar: "I'm going outside for a fag"!!!

 London and the South East of England

• "Guv'nor" (or simply "Guv") - Commonly used by Londoners, a contraction of the word "Governor", it is the equivalent of saying "chief", "mac" or "buddy" in colloquial American.
• "All right?" - Greeting
• "Cheers" - Used sometimes instead of "thank you" or "goodbye".  Also a salutation when drinking a toast.
• "Ta" - "Thank you"
• "Khazi" - Toilet / restroom

Weather Forecast - Updated 24 MAY

Things are warming up in England!

But don't forget your small umbrella, scarf, or hood on raincoat or jacket.

Forecast:

               High/Low                                    Rain        Humidity average 65%

Thursday     69/48              PM Showers    30%        Arrivals

Friday           72/50             Showers           50%       Arrivals

Saturday      72/53             Showers            60%       Flower Show & Evening Theatre

Sunday         71/54             PM Showers     40%       Shopping

Monday        67/54             AM Showers    40%       Highclere Castle

Tuesday        67/54             Partly Cloudy   20%       Windsor Castle & Dinner Cruise

Wednesday  67/53             AM Showers     20%       Departures

Thursday      70/52             Scattered Thunderstorms  40%  Departures

Cheat Sheet: British Pounds to Dollars

I will include this credit card size cheat sheet with your documents.

 US Dollar (USD) to British Pound (GBP)

Including 4% typical cash exchange margin for Wednesday, May 18, 2016

	USD	GBP			USD	GBP			USD	GBP
	1 =	0.72			10 =	7.19			100 =	72
	2 =	1.44			15 =	10.78			200 =	144
	3 =	2.16			20 =	14.38			300 =	216
	4 =	2.88			25 =	17.97			400 =	288
	5 =	3.59			30 =	21.56			500 =	359
	6 =	4.31			35 =	25.16			600 =	431
	7 =	5.03			40 =	28.75			700 =	503
	8 =	5.75			45 =	32.35			800 =	575
	9 =	6.47			50 =	35.94			900 =	647
	FXCheatSheet for Travelers © 1997-2016 by OANDA, Corp. http://www.oanda.com				60 =	43.13			Typical cash rate US Dollar (USD) British Pound (GBP) May 18, 2016
					70 =	50.32
					80 =	57.51
					90 =	64.69

British Pound (GBP) to US Dollar (USD)
Including 4% typical cash exchange margin for Wednesday, May 18, 2016

	GBP	USD			GBP	USD			GBP	USD
	1 =	1.50			10 =	15.04			100 =	150
	2 =	3.01			15 =	22.57			200 =	301
	3 =	4.51			20 =	30.09			300 =	451
	4 =	6.02			25 =	37.61			400 =	602
	5 =	7.52			30 =	45.13			500 =	752
	6 =	9.03			35 =	52.66			600 =	903
	7 =	10.53			40 =	60.18			700 =	1053
	8 =	12.04			45 =	67.70			800 =	1204
	9 =	13.54			50 =	75.22			900 =	1354
	FXCheatSheet for Travelers © 1997-2016 by OANDA, Corp. http://www.oanda.com				60 =	90.27			Typical cash rate British Pound (GBP) US Dollar (USD) May 18, 2016
					70 =	105.31
					80 =	120.36
					90 =	135.40

Let the Packing Begin

Weather in London

The weather looks to be in the high 60s during day and low 40s at evening with some chance of rain.

Here's what Queen Elizabeth wore recently to the races.  Note her layers, scarf to protect from the winds, and rubber boots for wet ground. Second photo, Her Majesty is shown with an oxford shirt, layered with a cardigan sweater and sleeveless jacket/vest.  So, this is your reminder: LAYERS LADIES!
    

And below is what I'll be wearing in London.  These days jeans are worn everywhere in London, but not in the better hotels, best not to Windsor Castle or Downton Abbey, nor the dinner cruise or theatre. Even Harrods has been known to turn away shoppers they consider not to be dressed appropriately.  So we are dressing for our top-notch accommodations!

I'll probably wear my red "riding inspired" blazer to Downton Abbey.  Do you remember the episode with the hunt scene: red jackets with white pants!  I can layer a black shirt and sweater beneath the jacket if I need to do so, and then wrap a knit black scarf around my neck. Pack an umbrella, a small handbag and I'm set. (No large bags or backpacks allowed in the castle).

    

Ladies at Downton Abbey

Eat your Heart Out fans of Downton Abbey.

Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey, is open to the public 60 days a year.  Tickets for 2016 have been sold out since very early in the year.  Other days are reserved for special events which tend to be fundraisers, and of course the current owners, Lord and Lady Carnarvon live at the castle full time. We will be touring the grounds, gardens, gift shop, tearooms, and of course the castle interiors at Highclere.

Monday will be our earliest day of the week, with our departure from the hotel by black cab to Paddington Station, where we board a 7am train direct train from Paddington Station to Newbury Station with travel time of 47 minutes to our destination. 

But remember,  the day before (Sunday) is a shopping day without any evening plans, so "early to bed, early to rise" will be our goal.  I reserved seats for our outgoing journey, booth style seating with a table for 4 in Coach B. On the return journey we have airline style reserved seating, Coach D. The train has food & beverages for purchase both directions. I'll ask the hotel to prepare a continental breakfast 'to go' for us so we can dine on the train.






The Flower Pot Cafe in Newbury opens at 8:30am and is nearby the train station. Cozy inside. Rated #1 for breakfast of 9 Newbury cafes. Many more restaurants.


Highclere Castle is 5 miles south of town and a taxi will take us to our destination.  Since the grounds don't open until 9am, and we arrive to Newbury about 8am, we shall take the opportunity to have a cup of tea or java in town.before arriving to Highclere.





When visiting HIghclere Castle you have either morning (10:30am-1pm) tickets or afternoon (1:30pm-3pm) tickets.  We have MORNING tickets. Once on the grounds, we can tour outside of the castle (grounds and gardens) and the gift shop or tea room as much as we like before and after the time inside the castle. I expect we will queue for entry around 10am.  Inside, no photographs are allowed. You can spend as much time as you wish in each room, but once leaving, you do not back-track to visit the rooms. Stairs are required to access the second floor for access to the bedrooms. Our tickets include the opportunity to view the Tutankhamun exhibit also inside...hopefully you are reading Lady Almina, The Real Countess of Highclere Castle, to understand this connection.

  



Upon leaving the castle, we can choose to have lunch back in Newbury before departing back to London at 4:49pm.  
Although there are 36 trains daily to Newbury, I chose this departure because it is the only afternoon departure with NO change of trains during the journey. Travel back to Paddington Station is 1 hour.

Shall we Shop?

Harrods

If you like to shop, you'll have a whirl of good time at Harrods. It reminds me of the original Macy's in New York City.  A bit confusing and also intimidating at the same time.  Here's what VisitLondon has to say:

About

For more than 160 years, Harrods has been a luxury shopping destination for exclusive collections and excellent service.
With seven floors and 330 departments dedicated to the finest products in food, fashion, homeware and technology, Harrods has something for everyone.

The new luxury womenswear department, Superbrands, has 17 boutiques dedicated to top international brands, including Valentino, Prada and Dior, while Salon du Parfums houses the finest fragrances exclusive to Harrods.

Shoppers can choose to dine in one of the store's 27 restaurants, including a pizzeria, steakhouse, oyster bar and new contemporary Chinese restaurant, Chai Wu. The Georgian is an elegant venue for afternoon tea, while the Harrods Food Halls have a wide selection of tea, chocolate and fresh produce.
Payments can be made in Euros or dollars as an option.

Address

Harrods:  87-135 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge

London SW1X 7XL

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7730 1234

Public transport:

Tube: Knightsbridge Train: Victoria

Established in 1849 as a humble grocery store, today Harrods is dedicated to the finest products in food, fashion, homeware, technology and more, plus restaurants and specialist services. Make sure you check out the Egyptian Hall, Salon du Parfums and the Pet Department. At night, the store is illuminated by 11,500 light bulbs.

I'm adding: don't miss the book store section, and the basement for fresh food and bakery.

Marks & Spencer

You can't go wrong with M&S! London's flagship. Marks & Spencer at Marble Arch boasts an impressive range of affordable buys. Staples like lingerie and clothing are joined by flowers, furniture and fabrics. There's also the M&S Café and the mouth-watering aisles of the food hall – enough to keep even the most intrepid shopper occupied.

Selfridges (right down from M&S)

Whatever you're after – bags, shoes, cosmetics, soft furnishings, books, a speciality food hall or cafés – you'll find it in Selfridges, London's amazing one-stop department store! There's a budget-busting designer clothing section and The Wonder Room, home to the world's most desirable brands, from Cartier and Chopard to Bulgari and more.

Liberty London

Opened in 1875, Liberty is one of London's most traditional stores, but venture inside and you'll find a whole host of cutting-edge ranges. Designers include Vivienne Westwood, Chloé and Tod's, plus there's an impressive beauty hall and haberdashery. Celebrating fine design and craftsmanship, Liberty is a shoppers' paradise.

Fortnum & Mason

The quintessential English store, Fortnum & Mason has been selling food, luggage, homewares and clothes to London's finest since 1707. The official grocer to The Queen, the beautiful store has four restaurants and sells the most indulgent foodstuffs. If you want specialist teas or exquisite hampers, this is the place to go.

Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 21:00
Sunday 11:30 - 19:00

Beautiful The Carol King Musical

We'll be enjoying a night at the London theatre on Saturday at the Aldrich Theatre.

Read all about it!  I've chosen Standard seats for our night at the theatre.

Experience the incredible true story and songwriting talents of Carole King at Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at London’s Aldwych Theatre. This inspiring, Tony-, Grammy- and Olivier-award winning musical charts King’s journey from penning her first hit ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ at just 17 to her rise to fame as one of the best-loved solo acts in pop history. As the story unfolds, enjoy many of her greatest hits, from ‘You’ve Got a Friend,’ to ‘Natural Woman,’ and more, all brought to life by stunning performances, music and choreography.

Make your own way to the Aldwych Theatre in central London to enjoy this captivating, award-laden show, based on the story of chart-topping pop songstress Carole King.

Your ticket guarantees you seats for the show, and ensures excellent views of the stage and every moment of the story, performances and songs.

Learn how the 17-year-old musical maestro sold her first hit, ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,’ and went on to write Number 1 tracks for stars such as The Drifters, Aretha Franklin and The Monkees by the time she was 20.

Then, follow her incredible journey to a superstar in her own right, her marriage to songwriting partner Gerry Goffin, and her rise to become one of the most successful solo acts in pop history.

Along the way, listen to renditions of some of King’s classics that created a soundtrack for a generation, from ‘Up on the Roof’, to ‘Natural Woman’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend’, all segued together in one seamless and joyous musical.

Aldwych Theatre

 

Originally built in 1905.

Click here to listen to Carole King's Beautiful

 

 

Tea at 3pm

Royal Tea at The Rubens

From the Rubens Hotel website:
"Our delicious afternoon tea features mouth-watering pastries that were heavily influenced by Royal events and dining trends throughout the centuries. 

From Her Majesty the Queen’s much-loved jam pennies, the red velvet cupcakes influenced by the House of Stuart, or the chocolate biscuit cake, a favourite of Prince William and Prince Harry of the House of Windsor, The Royal Afternoon Tea at the Rubens will leave you feeling like royalty."

We'll also receive one glass of champagne with our tea! Welcome to London!

Dinner Cruise on the Thames

Bring your camera and enjoy the lights of the landmarks of London.  We'll be on the Showboat!

Enjoy a evening of food, wine and entertainment as you cruise down the River Thames. Glide past some of London's most spectacular landmarks ias you cruise from the center of London to the Thames River barrier and back.

Highlights

• Free drinks included
• Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• Dinner included

Begin your cruise in the heart of historic London, as you are welcomed aboard the London Showboat with a glass of sparkling wine in the lounge saloon. Following this, you will enjoy a four-course meal, with a choice of a half bottle of red or white wine included. During your cruise you will be entertained by a live singer, followed by more live entertainment, and plenty of time for dancing!

Starting in Westminster, you will see the historic buildings of St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament; pass under the iconic Millennium Bridge and Tower Bridge, and see the more recent iconic constructions of Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena, the Thames Barrier, and the London Eye. 

Included with our dinner cruise:

• Pre-cruise glass of sparkling wine
• Delicious 4-course dinner
• Choice of half bottle of red or white wine with your meal
• Live singer performing songs from West End shows

 This is a sample menu:

First course:

• Oak smoked Scottish salmon mousse with a mustard and dill center
• Vegetarian option: Feta salad with walnuts, green beans, cherry tomatoes, roast peppers, pumpkin and olives

Second course:

• Tomato, roast pepper and basil soup

Third course:

• Roast chicken wrapped in parma ham, dauphinoise potato, mushroom, seasonable vegetables, served with a thyme and red wine sauce
• Vegetarian option: Lasagne, made with artichokes, spinach, saute of mixed mushrooms and goat cheese, and served with seasonal vegetables

Dessert:

• White, dark and milk chocolate truffle cake with raspberry sauce, served with tea or coffee

Departure Point:

Cruise departs from Westminster Pier

Departure Time:

7:45pm with boarding at 7:30pm

Duration:

3 hours (approx.)

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point at approximately 11:00pm

What to Wear? Oh dear.

You are setting your clothes aside this week, right?

Next week you'll be doing your "practice" packing, right?
And you know that layers will give you many options, right?

Here is some helpful advice: Click here for the Central London Tourist advice

I am sharing this blogger's thoughts...I do agree with her!
"Some rules for what to wear in London will apply, depending on where you will be visiting.

If you are planning to go the the Theatre check first with the venue if they have a dress code.
Usually there is no formal dress code but they do advise smart casual. 

I always know what to wear in London theatres now because I have been so many times.
Sometimes I will wear a nice top, with black trousers and some nice shoes. Usually flat shoes that are smart and comfortable.
I would never go 'over the top' and wear dresses and heels etc. I would probably look out of place, unless it was an opening night.
I personally wouldn't wear trainers (sneakers/tennis shoes) and I would advise you don't take the chance.
Sometimes, for some performances this may be frowned upon or even not allowed.
Dress in a smart/casual manner and make sure you will be comfortable enough to sit in your outfit for a couple of hours.  
Most theatres will not have air-conditioning either, so if it is really hot keep that in mind, or bring something to keep off any chilly drafts in cooler weather. "

"If you are wondering what to wear in London restaurants, I would always says check with them first.
If you are not sure where you will be going and so are not sure what to wear in London restaurants, then make sure you come prepared.
Not all restaurants will require you to dress a certain way, it really depends on which ones you will be going to.
Bring smart clothes and shoes if you think there is a possibility you will be going for afternoon tea or visiting a classy hotel or restaurant."

NOTE: We are staying in a "classy hotel" and we are having the Royal Tea at Rubens Hotel on Friday afternoon 3pm.

Have you any Pounds?

Undoubtedly you will need some spending cash.

Best for small amounts: tips, cafes (some won't take any credit cards, most will only take those with a "chip.") and cabs. Be prepared!  And if you plan to use an ATM, realize each time you utilize the machine, a charge will occur.  And sometimes they "eat" cards...again, you must have a 4 digit code for European ATMs and the first digit cannot be a zero.  So act now, and take along a bit of money...honey!

PS. Don't forget to notify your bank that you are traveling in the United Kingdom, so they won't think your card has been stolen and deny you the ability to use it.  If you have a chip card, but no PIN, apply for it TODAY! Some banks allow you to do this online, others take 2 weeks to mail. 

By the way, American Express is NOT the preferred card in Europe.  Visa and MasterCard are the best.

FYI> from the internet

One POUND consists of 100 pence.

The singular of pence is "penny". The symbol for the penny is "p"; hence an amount such as 50p is often pronounced "fifty pee" rather than "fifty pence".

We have both coins and banknotes.

Current coins are:

1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, 1 pound, and 2 pounds.

 

Current bank notes are:

the 5 pound note, the 10 pound note, the 20 pound note and the 50 pound note.

Old money conversions to money used today

• Six pence - 2½p
• One shilling (or 'bob') - 5p
• Half a crown (2 shillings and sixpence) - 12½p
• One guinea - £1.05

On our Way to Windsor Castle

Let's revisit our itinerary:

Day 1 - May 26, Thurs       flight to London (I'll be arriving the day prior at Luton)
Day 2 - May 27, Fri            Heathrow transfer to hotel, afternoon tea
Day 3 - May 28, Sat           Chelsea Flower Show all day
                                            Evening Theatre
Day 4 - May 29, Sun           On your own, or shopping at Harrod's, Selfridges, Liberty London, etc.
Day 5 - May 30, Mon          (Bank Holiday) Highclere Castle
Day 6 - May 31, Tue           Windsor Castle
                                            Thames Dinner Cruise
Day 7 - June 1, Wed            transfer to Heathrow for flight to USA (KO next day to Luton)

This post features Windsor Castle.

We'll be taking a coach from Victoria Station to the castle grounds (coach has restroom aboard).

 Windsor is located 30 miles west of London. 















Colored text below is from the Official website: Note that we will depart the hotel about 10am, for the bus at London Victoria Station around 10:30am; arriving to our destination stop at 11:30am. We will dine for lunch in town before arriving to the Castle.... after the crowds. Once inside you can wander at your own pace and we'll aim for a 4pm return bus, and will adjust the departure for time required to walk back to the bus pick-up.

There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, so please allow enough time to make the most of your visit.  We suggest between 2½ and 3 hours. The Castle is at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers long distances. You are advised to wear comfortable shoes. 

The Admission Centre is at its busiest between 09:30 and 11:30, so you may like to consider arriving after 11:30. You can visit the State Apartments, the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St George’s Chapel at your leisure using the complimentary multimedia tour, which lasts 1½ hours. Guided tours of the Precincts, which are included in the admission price, depart at half-hourly intervals from the Courtyard and last 30 minutes. St George’s Chapel closes at 16:00, although visitors are welcome to attend evensong at 17:15.

Note: No backpacks or large totes allowed, so we must travel light today!
On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. Please try to bring as little as possible with you as it will help you to get through security screening more quickly.
Some items, such as large items of baggage, backpacks, pushchairs, pen-knives and scissors will have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of the visit. 
Note: We will most likely eat before entering the Castle grounds. An average visit is about 3 hours, and if we depart by 4pm we will have some time to relax before the evening's dinner cruise.


Eating and drinking are not permitted in the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel. You will be asked to place drinks and food in closed bags before being admitted to the Castle. You can purchase bottled water at the Courtyard Shop at the beginning of your visit.
Visitors wishing to leave the Castle for refreshments in the town may obtain re-entry permits from the Castle shops or the audio return point.

Note: The following diagram shows the Castle layout and terrain.

 

In the Mood for London

This post is just for fun!

The countdown for departure begins!  Less than 4 weeks before departure....and it's still cool in London, with temperature still between 62 and 67 degrees so far.  So, please plan for plenty of layers as we are likely to have cool mornings and evenings, even if it warms up a bit in the coming weeks.

While you are contemplating your wardrobe, why not immerse in the culture with books and movies set in the location of our destination?

I just finished reading the book Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey.  I'll be sending this up to the Pennsylvania travelers to read if you think you have time before your departure> my roomie couldn't wait and she ordered it for herself.  It really does bring Highclere Castle to life knowing the history of the real American heiress.


Coming up 23 June 2016 is the latest Independence Day sequel...look for it after our return.  Click here for the trailer> Independence Day: Resurgence Official Trailer.
I missed the March release this year of London Has Fallen. But who wouldn't like to see Gerard Butler as the hero? Click here for London has Fallen trailer.

Enough of aliens and terrorists!
Let's get nostalgic with Notting Hill: you may want to stroll the shops on Sunday in Notting Hill.
Click here for Notting Hill trailer with Julia Roberts & Hugh Grant

I haven't seen First Night yet,  though it was released in 2013 in the United States and 2010 for U.K. It is sure to priovide great music, comedy, and lovely countryside English scenery with Sarah Brightman and Richard E.Grant.

It's available at Amazon Nexflix for viewing.
Click here: First Night movie trailer

The same director is known for Much Ado about Nothing and The Madness of King George.







The newest book about the royal ladies is Game of Crowns.
I'm hoping to start this one soon!

PACK This!

More Packing Info: I highly recommend compression knee socks or full pantyhose to wear on the long flight.  Will keep your legs circulating in the lower cabin pressure.  Can be found in drugstores and online.

I also find a dual face watch handy for knowing the time in 2 zones at once.  I bought my last one on Amazon for less than $25.

The Rubens Palace Hotel

A Red Carnations Hotel

Click on the link below for a video to acquaint you with our hotel:
Click here> Rubens Hotel at the Palace video

Address:

• 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS
• Telephone: +44 (0)20 7834 6600

Click here> Map location The Rubens

From their website:
The Rubens Hotel overlooks Buckingham Palace, just a short stroll from London's iconic attractions including; the Royal Parks, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and the famous theaters of the West End.
Situated in a prime location, The Rubens at the Palace is opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace and is moments from Victoria Station and some of London's best shops and restaurants.

Enjoy traditional hospitality as attentive staff ensure you feel like royalty, anticipating your every need. Indulge in a delicious Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge facing the Royal Mews, admire the aristocratic grandeur and relax in serene comfort.

I have booked Superior Twin rooms category for our visit. Rooms are individually decorated, and the above photo is an example of the beautiful attention to detail in every room.

• Two restaurants, two bars and an award winning Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge

• Complimentary WiFi throughout

Features include

• 24 hour room service
• Bottled mineral water
• Cable TV and movies on demand
• Deluxe toiletries
• Express check out
• Evening turndown service
• Hairdryers
• Irons and ironing boards
• Individually controlled air conditioning
• International direct dial telephones
• Plush bathrobes and ladies and gents slippers
• Safe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• US/UK modem lines
• Voicemail in local language
• AT&T direct access facility

• World's Best 500 Hotels

  Travel + Leisure 2015
  

• Awarded Two Star Sustainability Champion

  By the Sustainable Restaurant Association 2014
  

• Voted No.23 Best Hotel in the UK

  TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2014
  

• Certificate of Excellence

  TripAdvisor 2013, 2014, 2015
  

 

Afternoon Tea

The Rubens Scone Menu
Your choice of our selected tea varieties
~
Traditional
Raisin
Buttermilk
Wholemeal, orange, honey and currant
White chocolate and lavender
Savoury cracked black pepper and Parmesan
Served with homemade strawberry preserve and clotted cream

 

Palace Lounge 

The Palace Lounge, adjoining the bar, is a magnificent bright open space with panoramic views of The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, the Queen's stables.

 

Gift Shop

Situated alongside Buckingham Palace in central London and adjoining The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, part of Red Carnation Hotels, you will find the charming boutique.

Recommended Luggage

Everyone travels differently, but from my international trips, I have found "less really is more" and you can travel with 2 suitcases for 10-14 days: one checked piece and one carry-on along with a handbag or personal tote.  Remember, you are handling your luggage by yourself to get thru customs, get to transportation, and European hotel rooms are smaller than normal U.S. ones, so space is always an issue.  You may have to open it for a search, so be organized and simplify.

Here's what I have found can work for anyone...and trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.  By the way, should you ever wish to book a Rick Steves tour, he only allows ONE of these suitcases should you wish to travel with him!  If you are reading this....remember, you have been warned!

Luggage

Yes, I also own a matching larger 4 wheel spinner suitcase, but I use the matching smaller spinner suitcase for trips of 10 days or less, along with the carry-on tote for cosmetics, medicines, a change of clothes, trip documents, a snack and magazines.  If you haven't invested in a spinner, I highly recommend one for international travel.  Instead of "pulling" it behind you on 2 wheels, you simply move it along beside you on all 4 wheels.  Along with these 2 pieces, one to check and one to carry-on, I will take a tote in which I place my small cross-body purse, snacks, water, shawl, and if needed my raincoat and small umbrella.  The tote goes on my arm or shoulder.

Seen in the photo on the right are the same 2 pieces, with the shoulder bag looped over the spinner 4-wheeled handle.

Packing

Here's my tip on how I made the transition from taking too many clothes...using the jumbo plastic bags (in photo below) to coordinate my clothes.  As a reference, my floor tiles are 24" square, so you see these bags are quite large). Ziploc also makes a larger blue tinted bag, if you prefer a bigger size.

I pack about a week before my departure (and this is key), then a few days before, reexamine everything for the current weather and USUALLY, will take out a few items, add one or two pieces.  At the same time I am looking to be sure my pieces can be used with items in other bags, as I mentioned before, choosing one main colorway for travel and then adding accessories for color.  If you place a pair of slacks in a bag with 2-3 tops, you will only need 3 slacks for the week (more if one of the pieces is white...a real no-no for Europe, but sometimes a necessary piece for tropical climates or cruises.

 

In each "outfit" bag I include socks, undergarments, and scarves.  I always keep simple jewelry in my carry-one, never taking "real" jewels on an overseas journey. As for shoes, one pair you will be wearing, one pair should go in your carry-on in case your checked suitcase goes astray, and a 3rd pair should be for inclimate weather.  Yes, we are going to tea and to the theatre, so if you wish to take a non-bulky pair of shoes for dressier wear, do so.  But remember, even the dressy shoes need to be ones in which you can walk a few blocks comfortably.

Shoes

 At the present time, these are the shoes I plan for this trip using my navy wardrobe color choice. Clockwise, from top:

1. Black ankle boots to wear with tights for theatre and tea. These work with a dress or pants and I can wear them all day long.

2.Top-sider brand rubber ankle boots for rainy weather....I have Dr. Scholls inserts in these which makes for a very comfortable fit on a long day.

3. Blue metallic boat shoes for everyday touring.

4. Navy blue Easy Spirit Traveltime shoes for everyday touring and wearing on the plane.

If possible, try to rotate your shoes daily, never wearing the same pair twice in a row.  Your feet will thank you!  Can you walk on uneven ground for an hour at a time? If yes, your shoes pass the test.  If no, think again about what you intend to bring.  Please no white athletic shoes (dead giveaway that you are a tourist) and no open toe shoes (again, not practical for traveling).  We have a busy schedule, and jeans really are not appropriate for the venues on this itinerary. You will see a lot of jeans worn by young people in London, so if you desire to have them for non-tour times (but not on the plane) you won't stand out as an American as in past years.

As a side note, be sure you have socks for the plane when you slip your shoes off.  No one wants to see your toes, no matter how cute your pedicure or nail polish. People are eating, and trying to relax, so feet on the back side of someone else's seat back can repulse many a passenger.

 

Forecast

For your reference, currently London is expecting a high of 59 degrees for tomorrow, 20 April 2016, and a low of 46 degrees.  In comparison, New York City had a high or 67 degrees today, with a low of 48 degrees. We are still 5 weeks before departure at the time of this writing.

Chelsea Flower Show

Saturday, 28 May 2016   "Health, Happiness and Horticulture"

Open 8am - 5:30pm

 

The Rubens Palace Hotel is a 30 minute walk to Chelsea.

Weather permitting, we will be making the stroll to this extravaganza (otherwise we will take the Victoria Buckingham Palace Road shuttle at BPRZ5 (outside the Grosvenor Hotel) or stop 11 since public transportation is highly recommended, cost of 10 pounds per person round trip not included). Our tickets are for the entire day, Saturday, the final day of the 5 day annual event. This is definitely a bucket list visit! As a reference, it's also an easy walk to Green Park as well as Hyde Park...but remember, comfortable all-day shoes are a must!

Excerpts from the official website: 

• The Chelsea Flower Show has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London every year since 1913, apart from gaps during the two World Wars....
• (It) is the place to see cutting-edge garden design, new plants and find ideas to take home. 
• A cap of 157,000 was placed on the number of visitors to the showground in 1988. 
• In 1927 there was a campaign to get the RHS to ban foreign exhibits from RHS Chelsea to reduce competition with British firms. The RHS refused saying, ‘horticulture knows nothing of nationality.’ 
• The theme of this year's show will champion the health and wellbeing benefits of greening-up our grey spaces.  Features in the ‘RHS Greening Grey Britain Garden for Health, Happiness and Horticulture’, designed by leading garden designer and BBC presenter Ann-Marie Powell, provide ideas for visitors to take home to their own gardens.
• In the Great Pavilion more than 100 specialist plant breeders, nurseries and societies will create breath-taking floral exhibits with plants at the peak of perfection. 

On the map below, our hotel is mere steps from Victoria Station and north of the Thames River see the district of Chelsea.  The green strip adjacent to the River Thames is the show grounds.

 

There are multiple venues for a wide array of dining options from a snack to a meal: choose from sandwiches, salads, pizza, fish & chips, or afternoon tea on the grounds of the flower show. These are available on your own.

All exhibitors have now been selected, and their ideas are posted at:

 Show Exhibitors sketches

Here are a couple!

The Garden of Mindful Living

The Harrod's Eccentric British Garden

How to Beat Jet Lag 

Attention travelers, it’s time to conquer our worst enemy: jet lag. While there’s no easy way to completely beat it, these steps will help ease the pain of crossing multiple time zones quickly. Scott Mayerowitz from Travel + Leisure gives us the scoop

Those items in burgandy print I highlighted as especially important or noted that I added this info.

 
Travel wasn’t always this difficult on our internal clocks. But each technological advancement in transportation also brought changes to our time management. When long-distance railroads took off, matching timetables with local times became a challenge. So in 1883, we created standardized time zones.

The advent of the jet age in 1958 brought a new problem. We suddenly could traverse several time zones faster than our bodies could adjust. Eight years later, the term "jet lag" appeared in the Los Angeles Times (the earliest recorded mention, according to Air & Space magazine).
The term caught on, of course. And, as we know, jet lag is particularly bad when flying east.
"The hardest trip for me is coming back from Asia or Australia," says Captain John M. Cox, who spent 25 years flying for US Airways and is now CEO of Safety Operating Systems. "It's not that I can't sleep. It's that I keep waking up at two in the morning."

Even domestically, jet lag can be an issue. I once traveled for a story that had me on nine domestic flights over five days. When planning out the trip, I didn't think much about my body's internal clock and made the mistake of hopping back and forth across time zones every day.

There are several things, however, that do help. Below are some of my favorites:
Hydrate
Dry and pressurized airplane cabins can quickly dehydrate you, making you feel extremely sleepy. Drinking water throughout the trip helps ease that process. It doesn't stop jet lag but it helps make sure dehydration doesn't compound your fatigue. I'm adding: treat your face kindly by taking off makeup and slathering on moisturizer.
Shift your time for long trips
A few days before I leave, I start to shift my sleep schedule one hour each day. Try to also move your mealtimes. That might mean a super-early trip to the gym in the morning and going to bed before my favorite TV shows are over. But it pays off when I arrive and also makes it easier to sleep on those red-eye flights to Europe. If I'm lucky, I can adjust my sleep a bit at the end of the trip. "As soon as I get on the airplane," Cox notes, "I get on destination time." It's good advice. Switch your watch after takeoff. I'm adding: a dual face watch is a great reference for back home time and current time.
Sleep
If you can sleep on the plane--even for a few hours--it makes a big difference. Earplugs and an eye mask will help. When taking a red-eye to Europe, having breakfast immediately after waking up on the plane or once you get into the airport--even if not hungry-- will definitely help adjust your body to the idea that yes, it is now morning, even if your friends and family back home are sound asleep.
Avoid alcohol
Again, the issue here is dehydration on long overseas flights. I can't blame you for having a glass of red wine to help fall asleep--been there, done that--but don't have too much or you'll have a nasty headache and never properly adjust to the new time zone. (That's happened to me, and I don't recommend it.) I am adding: have one extra glass of water right after the wine or champagne!
Avoid naps
Try to stay awake until your bedtime in your new time zone. It may be painful, but it really is necessary to make the rest of your trip enjoyable and productive. Go for a walk outside. The fresh air and sunshine make it much easier to stay awake than if you're stuck inside. If sightseeing, take a walking tour. If in town for work, find some time to do a bit of walking--maybe have your driver drop you off a mile short of your meeting site. If that isn't practical--and often it isn't--do a lap or two around the block before heading in to your meeting.
Stretch
It helps your body feel more normal and not as confined on a plane. This doesn't combat jet lag per se, but it does reduce some of the scars of travel.
Pills and juices
I have friends who have tried homeopathic pills and one who swears by carrot juice. I personally don't like to throw off my diet with unknowns while hopping around the globe, but I'm not going to rule out any of those tricks.  I am adding: take a Nyquil or Benadryl to help you sleep.

And a few of my own favorites:

Clothing

Wear loose-fitting clothes, bring layers as who can sleep when you are cold?
Change to comfy socks when not walking around.
Ladies, consider wearing a comfortable sports bra.

Music/Movies

Listen to soothing music if you need a distraction from jet noise, and don't be tempted to watch a marathon of movies.  Also bring a back-up set of ear buds.
 

 

Exchange Rates

British pound and US Dollar Info

At the current exchange rate, $1 US is equal to .6973 British pounds.

To reverse the equation, 1 British pound equals $1.44 US.

When reviewing conversion rates on your mobile app (I use XE Currency) know these rates are for institutional buyers, like banks, so for purchasing currency for your trip, be aware there is a bank service fee.

Today's conversion rate is shown in the reference chart below. I'll be including one of these updated pocket charts in your travel documents.  Keep it on hand during your trip for easy reference.  There will continue to be daily fluctuations in the currency, but as a reference, when last in England 4 years ago, 1 GBP cost me approximately $1.60.  So now we are getting more pounds for our dollar.

Still, it is important to realize if you see something in a shop or on a restaurant menu for 20 GBP, the equivalent cost in US dollars would be $28.79.  I think you will find food and some souvenirs a higher cost than in the US.  But you can still find bargains with pub food and small cafes.

I am always asked: "how much money should I bring?" Of course, that can vary widely depending on the individual.  I recommend you have credit card with no foreign transaction fees and the must-have chip for most purchases. But if you want to pick up a snack or a trinket, no doubt you may need to pay cash. Then there are tips to consider.  For that reason I recommend as a minimum $100 which will give you about 69 British pounds (10 GBP a day).

The second question I am asked, is "can't I just use an ATM machine?". The answer is of course yes, but I think it is convenient and less stressful to arrive with a bit of the local currency. And then you don't have to worry about a machine eating your card, or wondering if it will tack on a separate surprise fee.

Bank of America has an easy to use online foreign currency ordering process if you are an account holder. The currency can be delivered to your home or to your nearest bank branch within a few days..  Check with your own bank for their policies.

GBP	USD			GBP	USD			GBP	USD
1 =	1.44			10 =	14.39			100 =	144
2 =	2.88			15 =	21.59			200 =	288
3 =	4.32			20 =	28.79			300 =	432
4 =	5.76			25 =	35.98			400 =	576
5 =	7.20			30 =	43.18			500 =	720
6 =	8.64			35 =	50.37			600 =	864
7 =	10.07			40 =	57.57			700 =	1007
8 =	11.51			45 =	64.77			800 =	1151
9 =	12.95			50 =	71.96			900 =	1295
FXCheatSheet for Travelers © 1997-2016 by OANDA, Corp. http://www.oanda.com				60 =	86.36			Interbank rate British Pound (GBP) US Dollar (USD) March 31, 2016
				70 =	100.75
				80 =	115.14
				90 =	129.53