Hit the big 60 in December......How did that happen!? I wasn't used to being 50 something let alone 60. Well, its better than the alternative of not getting to 60 so I shouldn't complain!
I have to say I was spoilt rotten. Tara organised a birthday extravaganza which was just brilliant! Here's some of the stuff we did.
First off, on our three nights in London was a trip on the Thames like no other. It was on a RIB which is a Rigid Inflatable Boat. Basically a big speed boat. It started off as a sedate trip having all the sites of London pointed out to us as we progressed, then turned back towards the sea & under Tower Bridge. There are strict speed limits on the Thames in the central areas but just past the seaward side of Tower Bridge all speed restrictions are lifted and boy did we know it!!
The captain opened the throttles and away we went being flung all over the place, big loops, slalom, straight for a bit then very sharp turns. Talk about adrenaline ride! It was strange overtaking a police boat as we started as on the roads everyone keeps back! It was absolutely brilliant! Brilliant but freezing cold. Afterwards we made our way to a pub on a boat moored on the Thames to warm up and have dinner. Back to our hotel then. A four star place in Sth Ken though I'm sure some of those stars were just for being in London as our room certainly wasn't four star standard! A couple of things went wrong with Tara's plans, nothing major but frustrating for her, & I'm not going to mention them again as so much was fantastic, the things that didn't work were just swamped by all the exciting things we did do!
A sumptuous brekkie in the morning and we were ready to take on the day. Popped into the Science Museum. Along time since we've been there and alot has changed. It was a treat to have a look round. Dinner today was at the one of the oldest pubs in London, The Nellie Dean in Soho, a pie specialist so for me just heaven on earth! Typically they'd just changed their menu so couldn't supply fish pie for T so she had the innards of a veg pie with me getting the extra pastry, a couple of pints later onto the theatre.
Mary Poppins at the the Prince Edward Theatre no less! It was an absolutely brilliant show that I would highly recommend to you all. It stayed very much as the Disney film with an extra character called Miss Andrew ( a nod to Julie Andrews star of the film I think), who is Mr Banks former cruel Nanny. It's one of those feel good films that I have known since I can't remember. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Back to the Copthorne Tara and repose until the morrow. D-Day, my 60th Birthday!
How did I find myself on 7th December 2021? I flung back the bedclothes and there I was! Tara gave me many presies including a replica World War One British soldiers shirt, the boys presie to me and Tara was a joint one of our Ernie who we picked up on the 12th Dec, and I had loads more presies besides.
Well, another good brekkie to start the day and we were off to Tottenham Court Road tube station to meet our guide for this morning a chap called Leon. This guided walk was a real treat as it was about musical London. We started in Denmark Street (six of us on the tour) and he showed us the many guitar shops frequented by the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, the Sex Pistols and many more besides including the much lamented Marquee Club that I never got to go to. He was incredibly knowledgeable on the history of not just more modern day musical stars but also of Music Hall and more besides. Finished in a pub called The Dog & Duck, a great connection with literature here as George Orwell used to drink in it!
Afternoon Tea at the Ambassadors Hotel on Bloomsbury was a delight. They catered well for T as well. Fed and watered, and completely knackered we returned to the hotel for a doze and before too long we were off to a Michelin star restaurant called 116 at the Athenaeum in Piccadilly for dinner.
Nothing short of fabulous! It was really interesting to see how just little blobs of sauce could have such an intense flavour. All our courses were matched with different wines. They just went so well! It was a real eye opener as to how food and drink can be served and taste so divine. An unforgettable dinner with my wonderful partner in crime.
That was a whistle stop account of my celebrations and here's a few photos. We also had a family dinner at the Farmers Boy which was great. I had such a great time thanks to Tara that it was worth getting to 60! Didn't think I'd say that!
