"Your Mission, should you choose to accept it, is to haul your Wife and your Sister to the UK for 8 days, during a system wide strike of the London Underground system, finding them only American food to eat, whisking them to High Teas and other nonsense at their command, while willingly attending  theatre productions that only women would like....."  

So accepting this Mission Impossible, it was off to

London With The Girls!

"Should you be killed or driven insane by the actions of The Girls, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.  This tape will self destruct in five seconds..."

Well, the Mission from Hell started with an overnite flight from Chicago to London on Sep 3.  Arriving in London tired and lagged, we had to wait till 3pm to check into our Airbnb flat in the heart of Mayfair.  

While Kathy & Laurie (The Girls) went round the corner looking for fun, I stayed with the luggage till the flat manager showed up to let us in.  I accidentally left our delicious Garrett's popcorn on the porch where it was drenched by a sudden cloudburst.  I was deservedly chastised for my inattention to the Gourmet Popcorn.

After a nights sleep we Ubered to Ascot for a day at the races.  It was lovely as we had a package that featured Michelin Star Chefs preparing Luncheon for us with an afternoon High Tea thrown into the mix as well.  

The day was absolutely beautiful and we adored the Finger Sandwiches and Tartlets we were served.  Luncheon's featured dish was a Lamb steak that looked like it had been on the grill for all of 30 seconds.  But hey, were we to argue with these Star Chefs?  Mais, Non!

Saturday morning we took in the world famous Portobello Road Market where The Girls decided after 15 minutes that it was just too damn crowded to stay.  And remember, I must have chauffeured these two to 15 Craft shows this year, but the Ultimate Craft Show in ANOTHER COUNTRY is too crowded for them!  What The HELL?!

So yet another Uber dropped us at at Tatersall's Pub in Knightsbridge for a rather average Lunch.

Sunday, we worshipped at Westminster Abbey where they celebrated The Order of Matins.  It was very reverent and uplifting,  

We were allowed to sit in the "Dean's Row" pew next to the Men's choir.  A distinct honour and highlight for us all.

Following worship, it was off to Gordon Ramsay's Bar & Grill in Mayfair for the Sunday Carvery.  We all had the Roast Beef and it came pretty rare. (Maybe the Chef who cooked the Lamb at Ascot works at Gordon Ramsay's?)  Alas, the Yorkshire pudding was great!

Monday, we took the BigBus for the obligatory tour of all the London sites.   We lunched at a lovely Bistro in Covent Garden where the Girls noshed on English Fajitas.  That night the 2 of them took in the Michael Jackson play, with Laurie leading the Standing Ovation.    

Tuesday, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Piccadilly Circus and then to the Theatre to see The Devil Wears Prada.   Vanessa Williams starred as Miranda. Very Entertaining.

On the Wednesday, the last full day of our trip, we had booked a High Tea with the theme from The Phantom of the Opera.   It was excellent and we enjoyed it immensely.  

It was in the Rose Lounge in the Sofitel St James Hotel.  It was a tea based on 4 acts from the Phantom play.  Be sure to look at the video.

That night I went to see the Phantom for what is probably my 25th time, while the girls retired to the Flat to prepare for our flight home on the Morrow.

Mission Accomplished and I survived!

Loved seeing London again - my favourite city in the world!

Loving my wife and my sister! 

 

 

PS....  Can you believe it?  These 2 clowns even found an Aldi's in London - so they had to go! 

 

I guess you can take The Girls out of America, but you can't take the America out of The Girls! 

Visit www.rickyjohn.com for more about our family!