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Me and He Travel

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Me and He Travel

Category Archives: United Kingdom

Sofitel – London Heathrow

27 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by meandhetravel in GOOD THINGS, London, United Kingdom

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#London, Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom

SOFITEL.docx“What did we do before Heathrow’s Sofitel? How many times have we stayed there now?” He asked. “Well, I look back on it as the Barbarian Age – before being able to stay overnight for a connecting flight the next day with a comfy bed, excellent room service, great shower and wonderful breakfast.”

“It’s an added expense,” He said.  “True, Me replied, “But so much better than putting up with me on no sleep and a big dose of jet lag cranky.” “So true,” He replied.  “If only people knew.  It’s taken the sting out of Heathrow.”  “I don’t need convincing,” Me said. “Just make the reservation.”

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Heist at Harrod’s

10 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by meandhetravel in COUPLEDOM, London, United Kingdom

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#London, Harrod's

Harrod's Sunglasses“But do you think they’re very special?” Me asked “because in the world of sunglasses I think they are amazing!”  “I think you’re special,” He replied, “but do you really need another pair of sunglasses?” Hmm, he was just being silly. Does anyone need another spoon of caviar or more truffles? We were standing in Harrod’s with too many pairs of sunglasses put out on the counter for my perusal but I did fancy these.  We would be in London for the week. I could come back. Given the grey rainy day and the three pairs of sunglasses I had packed for this December trip, perhaps I was being silly.

The next morning, He in the shower and Me curling the hair and painting the face, a news item on the telly caught my attention. Apparently, the dramatic rise in tourist shoplifting was being met with stringent arrest policies, no exceptions made.  “Did you hear that?” Me asked.  “Tourists are stealing and being arrested!”  “Can’t hear you!”,  He replied.  He always says that when he’s in the shower.  “Terrible!” Me said, “who would do that?”  “Can’t hear you!” He replied.

Hair done, primping complete, I rooted through my handbag for I-don’t-know-what and found a beautiful sunglass case very clearly not mine. Inside, the “special” sunglasses from Harrod’s. “Oh my God!” Me cried.  “What’s up,” He said, all pink, damp and adorably toweled.  “I must have stolen them!” Me wailed, crying very real tears.  “I could have been arrested! And I’ve never stolen anything in my life!  How could that have happened?”  “When I went out for that walk yesterday I went back and bought them,” He said “As a surprise.”  It was a bright sunny morning in London and I was no longer wanted by the police.  “You’re very special,” Me said.

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Too Few Thumbs for Mark Greenaway

29 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by meandhetravel in Edinburgh, RESTAURANTS, Scotland

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Edinburgh, Mark Greenaway, Restaurants, Scotland

P1000760“Tell me again why we haven’t been here before,” He said, as the final course of a proposterously brilliant lunch was nearing our table. Having eaten at most, if not all, of the highly touted fine dining establishments on our many visits to Edinburgh, there was no reasonable explanation. One of the less expected joys of this fairly “secret” city is the number and quality of restaurants on offer. You can eat very, very well in Edinburgh and Restaurant Mark Greenaway has moved to the top of our list.

Having had two completely different tasting menus with wine pairings on separate occasions in a single week (true we have no shame), we are now avid Mark Greenaway fans! Smart, modern, inventive cuisine that is equally respectful to ingredients and diners. While we’ve spent far more for tasting menus with wine pairings, we found these to be more successfully conceived, consistently executed, and better supported by the wines irrespective of country or cuisine. In fact, in every case, the wines not only complemented, but perhaps elevated many of the courses. Head Sommelier, Timothy Elliott gracefully cloaks his expertise with gracious affability as he directs attention to choices designed to delight rather than impress. (They do both.)

It’s rare to read a menu and want to order every selection for all of the courses, which explains  (not excuses) how we ended up having two completely different tasting menus just a few days apart. The room is lovely, service professional and knowledgeable.  “There’s just one problem with this restaurant,” He said.  “Two thumbs up just aren’t enough.”  Me said “Well, with mine, that makes four.” But he was right.  A dozen seemed more like it.  We have become happy, hopeful fans and look forward to experiencing the direction Mr. Greenaway’s cuisine takes over time. Favorite dish? Too hard to choose! But please do.

P1000759

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The Balmoral – Queen of Scots

08 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by meandhetravel in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

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#The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Balmoral

“I want to go back to Edinburgh. “ He said. “Do you mean Edinburgh or The Balmoral?” Me said.  “Really sort of the same thing isn’t it?” He said. Well, yes, but not exactly – because the delights, sights and charm of Edinburgh are not limited to its leading lady of hotels. But the finest qualities of Edinburgh are certainly up front and center at The Balmoral.

Queen B’s enviable location at the divide between Edinburgh’s “Old and New Towns, overlooks Princes Street Garden and embraces the best of the old and new in hotel terms.  Old World tradition and standards are respectfully upheld but expressed with the energy, efficiency and expediency the modern traveler values so highly. There is nothing stuffy or fussy about the manner or pace of the service and comfort provided.

Repeat stays evoke the illusion of being a distant, but welcome relative to royalty. Queen B embraces her guests with an endearing wink and a discrete whisper that it would be quite alright to be on more familiar terms and perhaps call her “Edie B” in this grand but relaxed setting.

We love this hotel with its wonderful food, attentive well trained staff, splendid location and excellent spa services. There is an air of simplicity, good humor, and blend of practicality and grace that make Edinburgh and The Balmoral irresistible.  If you haven’t been, please go!  And if you do, please give Queen B our best.

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Ardanaiseig Hotel

01 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by meandhetravel in Scotland, United Kingdom

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#Ardanaiseig Hotel, #Loch Awe, Scotland

ARD TOP IMAGE

Me said, “Scotland.” He said, “What about it?”  Me said, “Well, we really should go.” He said, “When?  Me said, “I’m thinking soon.”  He said, “Okay. Let me know and I’ll book the air.”  Everything should be that easy.

We had a long holiday weekend coming up, so squeaking in a four night stay despite the prospect of  overseas connecting flights and few hours drive north and back from Edinburgh to Loch Awe didn’t seem out of the question.

It was time worth taking and money well spent. Despite jet lag and driving on the other side of the road, pulling into the gravel drive inspired happy smiles and relaxed sighs. “All things considered, you drove really well,” Me said. “I did, didn’t I?” He said. Hmmm. Peace restored, we went inside.

#2

With grace, charm and the casual appeal of a family country estate, the broad high windows of the drawing room and deep comfy sofas were a welcome sight. Over the coming days, this would be our “nest” for drinks before delicious dinners, an afternoon tea, a tray lunch and lazy loch viewing.

#3

Through higgly piggly corridors typical of a house this size and age,  we were shown to our very comfortable room with a view of Loch Awe and ample bathroom. The rooms vary in size and view www,ardanaiseig.com and we were very happy with ours.  Our meals were lovely, the staff unfailing attentive and helpful and the grounds were superb: rhodedendrons, daffodils, blue bells. We did a good bit of  walking (not by Scottish standards), particularly in what we named The Moss Forest.

Ardanaiseig

As we would later find out on return trips, Loch Awe was a wonderful introduction to the grand lochs of Scotland. We walked where we could around the perimeter, enjoying an agreeable degree of mud and discovering patches of daredevil daffodils that had wandered down to the loch’s edge. It was a peaceful, satisfying visit worth repeating. Me said, “I knew we’d love it here.”  He said, “Me too.”  But it was time to go home.

LAKE

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London Taxi

29 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by meandhetravel in COUPLEDOM, London, United Kingdom

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#London, #Taxi

Taxi in London in front of a shopping centerMe said, “how far is it”?  He said, “Not that far”. Our first night in London having finished a quick dinner on our way to the theater, it was dark, a little damp and we didn’t have that much time to make the curtain.  “But how much farther is it?” Me asked, a little breathless trying not to break an ankle on the slippery cobblestone streets in 4″ heels.  “Hmm, pretty soon, I think.” was what He said.  It was starting to rain. We’d been walking for 20 minutes and my hair (enough said) was starting to look as bad as my feet hurt. Pretty bad.  Very bad. Bad enough to make me mad. “I want a taxi!” Me wailed.  “But we’re almost there!” said He. “I want a taxi now!” Me cried. So we climbed into a taxi, told the driver the address and he said in a gravely serious voice, “Are you certain, Madam?”  Very well then, he drove rather slowly to the end of the very short street, rolled around the corner, stopped and said, “Here you are then, Madam” and gave He a sympathetic look and wink. Alright for the two of them with their short hair and flat shoes. When putting vanity first, you should take a taxi.

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