Following haggis up with a meaty breakfast at the airport and jumping on a quick flight seems rational.
The William Beardmore was chosen by Heather because it was the most lively spot in the airport, had seating available, and a bar. We cruised the menu AFTER sitting down of course and were surprised by the puzzle before us. Is this another one of those ham salad sandwich stories—swap out Ireland pub for Scotland pub? Ella and Ethan ordered the bacon roll and fished out the bacon. David and I ordered the Brunch roll and ate all involved. And it was just that, bacon in a roll/bun. Ours had a few more bits.
Who is this Beardmore guy anyway? Quick search indicated an industrial engineer who first made ships in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Glasgow but also got into locomotives, aviation and cars. Further reading indicates the forerunner to the British black taxi was produced by Beardmore Motors. Ah and even more reading indicates we may have seen said car in the dang transportation museum the day before.
The plane ride was as expected, sardine can-ish. We flew into Stansted and rode their express train into London then caught a Tube ride to get us near the hotel.
Editor’s Note: at this stage, there is collaboration on posting - initials will be used to designate whether it is mostly the work of Heather [HC] or Dad [FR].
[FR] The California crew arrives in London, Jeorgia begins her first international adventure and we’re all pumped to meet up with the Houston contingent as they converge on London from the provinces up North. We wait at a venue to which we are no strangers - the lobby bar. Jeorgia enjoys her first LEGAL adult beverage!
[HC]: Did we make it across the street and onto the sidewalk before Pops came striding out of the hotel, arms swinging? Nope, all smiles and hearty squeezes, we were pleased the California crew decided to wait for us before heading back out—to avoid crashing too early, it’s time to go out and explore London on foot.
[FR]: SO. MANY. PEOPLE.
OK, she’s been queen for a few years but, really, is this chaos necessary?
So many barricades and police and military, oh my.
Walkabout: Tried to see Buckingham Palace—no go whatsoever; walked up The Mall—busy; Trafalgar Square—busy; Big Ben—also busy. Wasted a good two hours or so, time for a drink (or four). Oh good this pub isn’t packed (sarcasm). Had mostly a good thing going but needed more space to eat. Back out by Westminster Abbey to another pub that thankfully was empty. Fish and chips, pies and meat. Stumble back to hotel. Oh look, night cap! Stumble to beds.
