With Hardy's first full-week business trip approaching, I decided that the kids and I should explore as well. He was headed to Israel so initially we were going to accompany him but decided not to because of hot weather concerns, also we weren't quite sure what the boys and I would do. We couldn't exactly soak in the Dead Sea mud or waltz around Jerusalem for hours, so instead we headed over to London where my good friend Gabby lives to check out her hood.
Hardy, being the very thoughtful husband that he is and understanding that flying at this stage would be daunting by myself, offered to fly with us to London, dump us in a black cab then head to Israel. Seemed like a pretty straight-forward plan. Unfortunately, he ended up being delayed at Heathrow airport for almost 15 hours. In addition, the El Al airline security did not care for his plan to stop briefly in London for no apparent good reason so they not only grilled him extensively but also limited his access during the flight delay. He was not allowed to leave their sight with his computer bag and they made him check his travel bag. He did finally reach Israel at 6 AM the following day, but his bag didn't show up until 2 days later just about the time he was ready to leave. He may not be making the same offer to me again anytime soon.
The plane ride would have been soooo boring if Sam hadn't tormented Dean the whole time!
Meanwhile, back in London the boys and I are having a grand 'ol time with Auntie Gabby, Crazy Raj and darling 2-year-old Priyanka. They live in the centrally located Primrose Hill district which is fantastic and within walking distance of everything, it seemed. Not only was it a prime location for the kids, it's also home to many "notable residents." I kept my eyes peeled for a Jamie Oliver or Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale sighting (who all happen to live a stones throw from Gabby), but no luck. We did, however have a nice chat with Mr. Robert Plant otherwise known as the lead vocalist of a little band called Led Zeppelin who happens to be a friend of Raj's (both avid footballer and pub fans). Very exciting.
Besides chatting up superstars, we spent loads of time walking around the city and taking in all that London has to offer, which is a lot. We were blessed with amazing weather and didn't get much rain until the day before we left. We walked so much every day, that we wore the kids out.
Gabby & Priya
Boys & I at a very fancy drinking fountain.
Gabby & Sam.
Lulu Dog was a hit with both boys. Don't even think about asking for one!
Sam & the always well-dressed Priya.
Definite highlight for Sam - the London Zoo - within walking distance!
Duck Pond at Regent's Park, one of the Royal Parks of London. Hope my 4-year-old doesn't fall in while I'm posing for a picture....
Highlight for me - Camden Street Market. A fascinating very large area with rows and rows of stalls selling anything you could want to eat or buy. Sam wanted to take this guy home but I didn't think we could get him through security....Again within walking distance.
The only real bummer was that Baby Dean got sick. He had a viral upper respiratory infection so he was pretty uncomfortable. Nothing serious but the worst part was that he wasn't sleeping very well which took it's toll on all of us. But he was a trooper, as usual! And I must say, so was Sam. I took him to the doctor to be sure it was nothing serious. We decided to bypass trying out the UK's socialized medicine system and instead took him to a private practice where he had the good fortune to be seen by a doctor whose middle name was Elmo. :-) Very good Karma!
Dean at doctor.
After walking all day we spent most evenings with one of their many entertaining neighbors. I quickly realized that Gabby had her very own Bridget Jones, in this case, Erika, living just next door! She would show up late night being very British and witty and regale us with the latest goings-on in her life. The best part was, she even brought her own drinks! Her current fav was a pre-mixed Gin & Tonic, yup in a can. But this was no gas station purchase, cans were straight from Marks & Spencer, which sells upscale food items. And they say Americans have no class... :-)
We celebrated the eve of Baby Dean's 1st birthday at the local Primrose Hill Bakery with a cupcake!
Sam had food envy. :-)
Overall we had a fantastic time. I found the Brits to be incredibly friendly especially after spending 3 months with the very reserved Swiss. Thank you mucho Patel familia for such an amazing trip!
Cheers London! We'll definitely be back. Xoxo,
Lilli & Boys
