A Trip To The Savoy Hotel, London
Ahoy there, I went to the Savoy!
Well, what you may ask is so special about that? It is that I got through the doors of this establishment and was able to take pictures without having to pay hundreds, if not thousands of pounds a night for a room. I spent forty-five minutes or so, went in and took pictures and got out – and had quite a pleasant experience. This is after all, the hotel that is supposed to be London’s most famous hotel, and one where many celebrities have stayed. It is located on the Strand in the City of Westminster. Here are some pictures:
Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy, London
This is the lobby area as shown in the two pictures below, then if you walk down a few stairs, you will see a beautiful gazebo, and a restaurant/bar/lounge area
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The Savoy Hotel, London
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The Savoy Hotel, London
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The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London
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The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London
Savoy Hotel, London
You might just want to get a little something sweet in their delightful little treat shop
The Savoy Hotel, London
Also, I have to mention, the bathrooms in the Savoy are quite an experience too. Best bathrooms in the world! There was even a cloakroom attendant outside the bathroom, and I should have had my camera with me just to take pictures of the entry area of the women’s bathroom. Oh, my gosh, there were framed pictures – it was like an art gallery. I think there was music too. Perhaps, it was good that I didn’t have my camera, and had left it upstairs with my family! I think people would have thought I was a little odd taking pictures there.
The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London
So, what do you prefer – the Savoy or the Ritz? It depends on your level of glitz. I have shown some pictures of the Ritz in an earlier post. As for me, I was quite happy with the London Trafalgar Hotel – it suited me just fine.
Sunsets At The Hotel Del
The sunsets at the Hotel Del, well…..they’re just swell! What more can I say. It’s just swell at the Hotel Del!
By the way, the Hotel Del in Coronado is just about a ten minute drive from downtown San Diego. Did you know that Coronado is an island that is accessible by crossing the beautiful Coronado Bay Bridge? Now you know that, you just have to make your way there.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
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The Hotel Del, Coronado
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The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
So, I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del………and that’s just the sunsets!
It’s Swell At The Hotel Del!
Have I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del?
Well, it’s so swell it makes me want to yell.
I have to go there again and again
You won’t know what it’s like until you’ve been.
Oh, the Hotel Del……it’s so swell.
My attempt at a little poem again. I hope you liked it. Well, what do you think I like about the Hotel Del? I like everything! What is there not to like? It’s kind of like my passion for London, I have to go back again and again. Well, I think I have the same dilemma with the Hotel Del. I am addicted. It’s just what the doctor would order, and when I go there I feel completely revived, reenergized and rejuvenated, not to mention relaxed.
Try it and you’ll surely like it. Well, first you need some pictures.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
This weekend, there was the added bonus of a fantastic sandcastle – just look at it! What a piece of art – so many people were taking pictures of it.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Del has everything. Do you know it overlooks the ocean, and also has beautiful swimming pools too?
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
There are so many restaurants and shops at The Del, and so many places to sit outside and people watch just as in the picture above. Did you know movies have been made here, and Presidents have stayed here as well as other celebrities. Why would they not? It’s swell at the Hotel Del.
The London Eye – Here’s Why
London Eye
The London Eye
Here’s why
You can’t escape it
Every which way you go when you are in Central London
It’s before your very eye
(Two examples below: you can see it from Big Ben, you can see it from Buckingham Palace at the Queen Victoria Memorial, and you can see it from Trafalgar Square)
Big Ben with London Eye
Queen Victoria Memorial
The London Eye
Why would you want to give it a miss
When riding it can give you bliss?
Inside The London Eye
The London Eye
Will take you to the sky
Or so it will seem
As you circle the earth
You’ll think you are in a dream
View From The London Eye
The London Eye
Don’t even think of not going
Rain, shine or snow
You must go
To the London Eye
I hope you liked my attempt at a poem! I tried.
The following pictures were taken on our approach to the London Eye.
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
Want to know how much it costs – that will be £20.95, please for an adult.
Ticket To The London Eye
Getting On The London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
London Eye
Here’s another picture taken from within the London Eye
Inside The London Eye
Here are some pictures of the view from the London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
View From The London Eye
So, I’m sure you’ll want to know if I recommend it? Of course, I do! When I used to live in London, the London Eye was not a part of London. Then when I started returning to visit London, I used to pass it and not really consider going on it, because I used to think it was a waste of money – for a ride that was very costly. However, now that I have been on it – I think it’s not just a ride, it’s an experience. Try it and you’ll love it!
Paradise At Meditation Gardens in Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Meditation Gardens, Encinitas
Paradise can be found at the Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, which is just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. When life is stressing you out, take a break, close your eyes and meditate. Then open them and take in the wonders – the giant fish, the fountains, the palm trees, the foliage and beautiful flowers. Breathe deeply and inhale the fragrance of the freshest flowers. Look beyond and see the ocean. Feeling better? You should end up with a smile on your face! So, go ahead and try to find your Paradise to put the smile back where it belongs.
Little Italy, San Diego
Okay, so I have to give you a break from my posts on London, but just a tiny break mind you! Today, me and my kids went to Little Italy in San Diego. It was time to be a tourist in our own city! I love seeing San Diego, and I love Italy, so naturally Little Italy is also a place I love.
Little Italy, San Diego
As you can see, there’s going to be a big “Festa” or festival in Little Italy tomorrow. It’s going to be fun. I have been to one of these before, and would love to go tomorrow. However, with work, kids and just a two day weekend, I can’t make it tomorrow. However, I did get quite a flavor of Little Italy today. We were celebrating today and what better place to celebrate than Filippi’s Pizza Grotto on India Street? Here’s some spumoni ice-cream, tiramisu and a cappuccino – yummy!
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
We also had pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna, but I don’t have any good pictures to share of that – let’s say we devoured it before I thought about taking some pictures!
There was another room we could have sat in that is a little darker, and doesn’t have the windows and light that our room had, however, it has a very nice ambiance.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
As I said, our room had windows and more light
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Little Italy
We really enjoyed our little trip to Filippi’s. I have been here once before a long time ago, and it was certainly time for another visit. We really liked the pizza a lot, and the spaghetti. Let’s say it reminded us of another place in Encinitas – Giovanni’s. The lasagna was okay, but could have been a bit better. The spumoni was good, but I have had better tiramisu.
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
We went on a little walk after all that food, and saw some artists preparing their street art for tomorrow – they did this with chalk, and it is so beautiful!
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Want a bit of vino, and some formaggio? Here’s a chalk art creation in 3D and you can pose in front of it, as Chandi did.
Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy, San Diego
Of course, I have to get a picture of a British pub!
Little Italy, San Diego
Cafe Zucchero is one of my favorite’s and I have been here on numerous occasions. My favorite is their cannoli, gelato and cassata – an out-of-this world Sicilian cake. I really wanted to go there tonight after Filippi’s, but then we decided to just have dessert there.
Little Italy, San Diego
And now, for a spectacular sunset. Ciao, Little Italy until next time!
Little Italy, San Diego
A little bit of Italy, or a lot of Italy
When I need a little bit of Italy – I go to Little Italy in San Diego.
Little Italy, San Diego
and when I need a bit more of Italy, then it’s off to Las Vegas, where I can get a little more of Italy at the Venetian
The Venetian, Las Vegas
and when I need a lot of Italy, I have to go to the real place – the one and only Italy!
Venice, Italy
Trevi Fountain, Rome
The South Bank, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye and More
Continuing with Day Three of my trip to London in July. Wow, has it already been nearly two months since I came back? How time flies?
Okay, fast rewind back to that day. We went for a walk all the way from our hotel – The Trafalgar – to the South Bank. It was a lovely walk, it drizzled just a tiny bit at one time, and other than that it was nice and warm – perfect weather for a walk. Do you know that London is a fabulous place to take a walk? Oh, the parks, the sightseeing, and the architecture! This is some of what we saw as we got closer.
The London Eye – isn’t it lovely?
The London Eye
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – aren’t they just magnificent?
Big Ben and Houses Of Parliament
London, isn’t it wonderful?
Big Ben
Okay, I won’t ask you any more questions, I’ll just let you take a look at the pictures.
Big Ben and Houses Of Parliament
The London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben
The London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben
Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben
I don’t know what the name of the castle or palace type building is so I’ll just call it “Beautiful Palace”
Beautiful Palace type building on the South Bank
Fancy a ride, you could go on this carousel or the London Eye which you might see if you look closely at the picture.
Carousel At the South Bank
Fancy a walk? London is a terrific place for taking walks. Oh, how I would love to be taking a walk there right now!
South Bank, River Thames and Big Ben
South Bank, River Thames and Big Ben
That’s my 17 year old daughter’s beautiful hair – it looks even more spectacular with the sun shining down on it!
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Time for bubbles!
Bubbles and Big Ben
The Bubble Blower of The South Bank
Have you ever seen such a big bubble or seen one as beautiful?
The Bubble Blower of The South Bank
Wow! Now, it’s really massive! This man is good, and I think he’s magical!
The Bubble Blower of The South Bank
I will always remember the Bubble Blower of the South Bank
The Bubble Blower of The South Bank
So, we left the bubbles to get closer to our ultimate destination – the London Eye.
Now, we are getting closer to the London Eye
Here we are really close, in fact – we are at the entrance of the London Eye!
So, you’ve seen pictures of the entire wheel, you may have seen what it looks like up close – if not, this is what it’s like
and just for you, another picture…..at a slightly different angle.
Well, until next time…..and here’s a sneak peak at my latest video of the South Bank, the Bubble Blower and the London Eye. Let’s just say I love London, and I hope you like the pictures, and the video.
Dean’s Yard, Westminster Cathedral And Victoria
Are you ready to see more of my London pictures? I hope you are! Well, back to London and my continuation of Day Three which was July 25, 2014. Not too far away from Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey is a gorgeous building called Dean’s Yard – I absolutely love it!
Dean’s Yard
So, I took another picture
Dean’s Yard
and another
Dean’s Yard
and again! You’re lucky that I’m not showing you all of the pictures I took of Dean’s Yard!
Dean’s Yard
As we walked away from Dean’s Yard, we saw this building – The Albert Pub – across the street not too far away. The pubs in England are somehow decorated outside quite often with the loveliest flower displays. I think that makes it look rather charming!
The Albert Pub
The Albert Pub
The Albert Pub
Then we saw Westminster Cathedral – I really love the design.
Westminster Cathedral
I kind of feel I am in Italy.
Westminster Cathedral
Across the street from Westminster Cathedral is this building which houses shops and and you can see the reflection of Westminster Cathedral in the glass building.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street
London Street Scene
I love Victoria Station – when I first came to London, this is the station I arrived at, so I will always fondly remember Victoria Station and the surrounding area.
Victoria Station
London Street Scene
What a nice elegant building, and it happens to be a theatre!
Victoria Palace
Victoria Palace
Here you can see samosas, alongside sausage rolls and cheese and onion pasties in display cases in most newsagents or small convenience stores.
Pasties, Samosas and Sausage Rolls Display
Just another street scene in Victoria
Victoria
British people like their pasties….and I love cheese and onion pasties. Oh, how I could do with one right now.
Cornish Bakehouse
This is such an interesting building, and since I don’t know it’s name – that’s what I will call it. One of my pictures shows that one of the bars on the entry level is named “bbar”
Interesting Building in Victoria
Interesting Building in Victoria
This interestingly named pub is on the corner of Buckingham Palace Road and Victoria Street
Bag O’ Nails Pub
Bag O’ Nails Pub
Bag O’ Nails Pub
I had to pause and look at this building – after all – it’s the Royal Mews.
Royal Mews
Look at this guard, he is so well-behaved.
London Guard
So is this one.
Stable Yard Road Guard
Well, even though we visited Buckingham Palace yesterday, it doesn’t hurt to go back again for the second time
Gates near to Buckingham Palace
It’s a bit of a rainy day
Buckingham Palace
Incase, you want to know what is coming next in my posts, this video might give you a clue! I haven’t made a video for quite some time, so it was certainly time, and I might as well make one on London. Well, until next time!
So Much To See In The City Of Westminster!
The City of Westminster has so much to see – this is where Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace are. Therefore, I would say this is a very important part of London.
Cromwell Green, outside Westminster Hall
The Oliver Cromwell Statue at Cromwell Green, outside Westminster Hall
The Palace of Westminster
In this post, let’s continue with Day Three in London – July 25th, 2014. After we saw Big Ben, we continued walking just a few feet away, and we were near St. Margaret’s Church, and Westminster Abbey.
St. Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey
St. Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey
St. Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey
St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey
St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Time for a family picture
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
St. Margaret’s Church
Now, isn’t this lovely?
Westminster Abbey
What about this? I just love the architecture!
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Palace of Westminster
Westminster Abbey
Palace of Westminster
The statue is that of King Richard 1, who was also known as Richard the Lionheart (known as this because of his reputation as great warrior and military leader)
Palace of Westminster
Back to Westminster Abbey again
Westminster Abbey
Niki’s taking in all the history, culture and the beauty of her surroundings
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Palace of Westminster
Westminster Abbey
Well, wouldn’t you like to live here? I’m afraid you can’t, and it seems like this place has quite a bit of history to it, you might want to read up on it.
Old Palace Yard
This is the only visible reminder that Old Palace Yard was once a residential street.
Old Palace Yard
close by to Old Palace Yard and Westminster Abbey
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster
King George V Statue near Westminster Abbey
Wow, the bus almost looks bigger than the Palace of Westminster!
London Bus and the Palace of Westminster
This sundial is between the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey by Old Palace Yard, it features in it’s outer circle, a quote which is hard to show you here, unless I show you several pictures that I have of the different words. So instead, I will include the quote below taken from William Shakespeare’s play, Henry VI, part III: “To carve out dials quaintly, point by point, thereby to see the minutes how they run: how many makes the hour full complete, how many hours brings about the day, how many days will finish up the year, how many years a mortal man may live.”
The Queen Elizabeth 2nd’s Golden Jubilee Sundial
Here it is closer up
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Sundial
There’s the sundial in the picture below wedged in between two magnificent buildings
View from Old Palace Yard
This is where we came from a few hours ago, and now we are looking at it from Westminster Abbey
The view from Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Again, the magic of Big Ben being next to other buildings when seen from different angles just amazes me! Do you think about this yourself, or do you not ponder upon it? I really wonder whether you do or not.
Big Ben and St. Margaret’s Church
Just added these last three pictures because I love the color red, and of course you can get a lot of that in London – you don’t have to walk far to see either a red London bus or a post box, or phone booth.
City of Westminster
City of Westminster
City of Westminster
I think I have shown you a lot of pictures now of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament (which is also known as Palace of Westminster), St. Margaret’s Church, and Westminster Abbey. I hope you feel like you know this part of the City of Westminster a little better just by looking at my pictures. Don’t miss visiting the City of Westminster, there’s nothing quite like it!
luchanik 