31 August - London

Well I am finally in London after a 35 year absence! The Air Canada flight finally took off without a hitch. I was terrified it would be cancelled if there had been the predicted thunderstorm issue but luck was on my side. I was pleasantly surprised that they served a really good hot meal at no cost! Even the lovely white wine was complimentary. We had a chicken dish with risotto complete with a hot bun and yummy brownie for dessert. 

I was so excited driving into the city in a beautiful black Mercedes, it was only fitting since I was being taken to the world-famous, 5-star hotel. . .The Savoy!  

The Savoy is perfectly located on the River Thames, in the heart of all that London has to offer. At the forefront of the luxury hotel scene for 130 years, The Savoy welcomes guests for an experience that continuously evolves to m eet the desires of the modern traveller. 

The Savoy was the first purpose-built deluxe hotel in London, setting new standards for luxury, comfort and service unheard of in the hotel world of the day. As the first hotel of its type in London, it was a magnet for the wealthy, the famous, the glamorous, and even the notorious; their stories have accrued over the decades to become part of the legend of this truly unique hotel.

Some people say "Oh it's just a hotel, it's just to sleep".....hmmmm to those people I say "You have no romance in your soul and have probably never experienced the euphoria of walking into a world-class establishment and checking in just like a celebrity or royalty, it's a magical feeling." Makes me feel special and isn't that what travel is all about? 

I was lucky to have the greatest young lady to check me in, her name is Catarina and she was an angel!! Not only was she able to get me an early check-in but an upgrade as well to a beautiful deluxe king room! While I waited for my room to be ready she escorted me to the "reading room" which is a beautifully decorated room to enjoy a delicious Cappuccino and fresh-baked cookies, now that was terrific!

 

  

The room is just so luxurious! I was tired since I got no sleep the night before so I melted into the comforter and down pillows for a two hour appreciated snooze.

Love all the fittings of this great room! Marble bathroom, chrome antique taps, chrome towel heater, nice deep tub.....I feel like a princess!

What was a nice touch is that I got a fruit platter and some macaroons and a hand-written welcome note.....just more to make you feel special! The hotel really knows how to make their guests feel appreciated.

 

      

When I woke up I went to The London Eye. It was not even built the last time I was here, what a great time I had there. You slowly go up on this gigantic ferris wheel with amazing views of London at your feet. Was terrific.

 

After this cool attraction I bought a few souvenirs and returned to my hotel to get ready for the first of three shows during my stay, "The Phantom Of The Opera"!! I have seen this musicals many times but I couldn't resist seeing it again in London! This show never disappoints and this was no exception. I struck up a conversation with the guy next to me and wouldn't you know it, he is from Quebec City!!! Unreal that out of a few thousand people there I meet someone from my province!  LOL

He had never seen it and was blown away by it as is usually the case the first time you see such a magnificent production.

  

When I finally arrived back at the hotel all I wanted was a long soak in that beautiful deep tub. Boy, I needed that, complete with nice warm towels right off the heated towel rack. 

I glanced back at the desk and I found an incredibly thoughtful gift from Catarina the front desk lady who checked me in. She left me a framed production photo of the "Phantom of the Opera" with a white Phantom mask draped over the frame which has a quote from the musical:

"In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came,

That voice which calls to me and speaks my name.

And do I dream again? for now I find,

The Phantom of The Opera is here. . . inside my mind"

She attached a hand written note which said " Welcome to The Savoy! It was a pleasure to check you in today. I hope you had a wonderful time again watching Phantom of The Opera. Kind regards, Catarina"

OMG after almost three years of not traveling this kind gesture brought me to tears! 

Now it's time to finally doze off sinking into my luxurious bed and dream of "The music of the night".