Mike and his son, Joe, looking out over the city from the London Eye. I love London. The city has enthralled me for almost five decades, and I eagerly return there every chance I get.
I’ve been to London 25 times (and counting). I’ve visited this beautiful capital city at every stage of my life: as a child, a teenager, a backpacking college student, with my wife as a newly married couple, as a cruise industry veteran, and as a father.
As I look back, I see how London has influenced my life. Because of my love of London, I majored in history in college.
My wife Nancy, who also happens to like London, became an antiques dealer, and some credit goes to this city and our love of all things historical and British. London introduced me to Agatha Christie mysteries, and I developed a fondness for the theater in the city’s fabled West End.
This Midwesterner turned Southerner also enjoys a cup of tea and doesn’t mind rainy weather. I’ve enjoyed many umbrella-shielded walks through the city – good times for contemplation – making a stop for the national drink whenever possible.
My first actual step onto British soil occurred when I visited London at the age of 10 or 11. But it could be said that I entered the kingdom years before at the age of four. The year was 1959 and the Royal Yacht Britannia was in the United States to commemorate the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which created a passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrived aboard the Britannia, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower and other dignitaries joined her for a ceremonial cruise.
Michael's father, Richard, meets Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Chicago International Trade Fair in 1959.
Because my father worked for the Chicago Chamber of Commerce and was managing director of that city’s International Trade Fair, I got to take a tour of the royal yacht. My father met the Queen that day – I still have the picture – but my preschool self was not presented to Her Majesty. Apparently I was acting cranky, so I was whisked away to a stateroom for a nap.
Maybe that day planted the seed for my lifelong fascination with London. Circumstances were to bring me there again and again.
My father left the Chamber to start an incentive travel business that had him traveling all over the world. About the time I was 10, my parents separated and divorced. As sad as that was to me, my father stayed close, and he would call me to join him on trips whenever possible. That first trip to London came shortly after the divorce, and I was so happy to be around him again.
Mike and his father dressed up for their formal event at the Churchill Hotel.
The second trip came a few years later as a young teenager of about 13 or 14. My father called last minute asking if I could get away for a few days. In our rush to go, I neglected to pack any formal attire for the highlight of that trip: a dinner at the Mayfair landmark, The Churchill Hotel. A quick shopping trip later, I was at dinner as the Queen’s Coldstream Guards made a surprise march through the reception area with horn and drum accompaniment. We were momentarily transported to another time and culture – and there I was in my new tuxedo and wearing my father’s cufflinks, which I treasure to this day.
In 1976, I took part in the annual summer migration of American college students who backpacked their way across Europe. It was the era of Sir Freddie Laker and I was there, traveling with my buddies, staying in youth hostels and wearing out my Eurail pass. I’ll never forget spending part of July 4th, the day of the US Bicentennial, in a London pub with my buddies. We “Yanks” were the focus of much good-natured ribbing, but our hosts also were kind enough to buy us a few pints. I could sense that they actually took a degree of pride in their former colony’s success.
During that summer stay, I took a number of day trips outside London to the charming and historic university towns of Cambridge and Oxford. I also visited Hampton Court, a favorite palace of King Henry VIII, and today a beautifully preserved treasure dating from the 16th century. The Royal Family’s Windsor Castle, still the Queen’s primary residence, was another memorable excursion.
After college, I joined my father in the travel industry. He was briefly the president of Carras Cruises and then, for many years, Royal Cruise Line. Working for Royal in San Francisco, I met Nancy. We traveled extensively during the early years of our marriage, and when our son Joe came along, he became a travel enthusiast too.
My career has since been with the Cunard Line, for which Southampton is home port, and Princess Cruises. While at Cunard, I have often traveled to England, and whenever possible I add on a few personal days so I can continue to explore my favorite city.
The magnificent view from the London Eye.
I love to show people around London. A particular business trip comes to mind: I took two colleagues, jetlagged as they were, on one of my lengthy London walks, and afterwards for dinner and drinks. The night was capped off by a performance of the Agatha Christie play, The Mousetrap. It’s the longest running show in the world, with 59 consecutive years of performances. I immediately regretted getting our prime fourth-row seats, as I spent the entire performance waking up my snoring colleagues.
Nancy and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in London. We revisited our favorite haunts and went to London’s famous Portobello Road Market to scout for antiques. London is a convenient hub for northern Europe, and we took the high-speed Eurostar to Paris for four days (you can make a day trip of it – Brussels, too). Our son Joe joined us back in London and we headed to Southampton to board Crown Princess for a memorable 12-night cruise along the British Isles and French coastline.
Joe and Mike's wife, Nancy, with the Thames, House of Parliament and Big Ben in the background.
London fills me with awe. Its history and my personal connection combine to give me a welcome feeling that beckons me back again and again.
A walk through London is simultaneously a trip through my past and a tour of great moments in history. The Houses of Parliament make me think of college history lectures. The Old Bailey, London’s historic court building, brings to mind the old TV show, Rumpole of the Bailey. Rumpole calls his wife “She Who Must Be Obeyed” – I’ve tried using that, but my wife doesn’t like it!
A night in a pub takes me back to my college trip and that memorable Bicentennial celebration. Westminster Abbey reminds me of the courage of the British during World War II and how this structure amazingly survived the bombing of London. Buckingham Palace brings images of royals stepping out onto the balcony to greet their subjects – most recently William and Kate, of course. I’ve stayed at the Goring Hotel, but now I’ll associate it with waking up at 5 a.m. to watch on TV as Kate departed there for her wedding at the Abbey.
More than anything, London reminds me of my father. It’s been 21 years since he died, and I miss him tremendously. Because of him, I was introduced to London. Because of London, I remember wonderful times with him.
Mike and Joe in London in 1990.
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When I am in London, I always try to:
• Stay in the Mayfair area. It’s high-end, but you can find deals at some hotels. I like The Chesterfield Mayfair for reasonable rates and comfortable rooms. Mayfair defines charm with beautiful residences and flourishing gardens. It has that civility you expect of London.
• Pass by the stately U.S. Embassy in Mayfair. (In 2013 the embassy is scheduled to move to a futuristic cube of a building now under construction in Battersea.) I am always proud to see it.
• Go to the Shepherd Market in Mayfair. Ground was broken for this picturesque square in 1735 to dislodge a rowdy May fair (hence the name). Even Mayfair has a past! The Shepherd Market couldn’t be more quaint, with interesting shops and restaurants and my favorite pub, Shepherd’s Tavern.
• Walk along the Embankment, an engineering marvel that turned the soggy banks of the River Thames into viable land and thoroughfare that passes by many landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
• Stop for afternoon tea at one of my favorite places, the Savoy or Park Lane hotels or Fortnum & Mason.
• Shop the Food Hall at Harrods. It is a costly but wonderful experience. There is a champagne bar there and people-watching of the international set is entertaining.
• Take the tube to skip London’s busy rush hours, but also make sure to ride in cabs. Where else will you find a car with jump seats? Plus, cabbies are a good source of information.
Mike and Joe in front of a London Taxi.
Mike and Joe at the Harrods Food Hall.
You could certainly see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
We’ve visited England three times, including London, but wonder if it has changed forever with the influx of immigrants from around the world. For better or worse, I’ll bet it will never be the same.
We took the Queen Mary 2 to England too early in the year. The weather was so bad we were not allowed out on deck. Half of the passengers were seasick, we, fortunately ,do not get seasick. Anyway London was awf;ul- we didn’t meet any British ;people except our terrible bed-and- breakfast hostess.
The next time we will go anywhere else but London. There were only Indians or Pakistanis, no British.
Loved reading your narritive of my home town. Though born under the sound of bow bells it is still the country to visit for me. As for the person who found London to be unfriendly, I can tell him he never looked in the right places, maybe his attitude was the problem and not the people who call London home.
Istanbul, Let alone all of TUrkey is the #1 Essential Place To Visit & Experience! Nothing Beats Turkey GUARANTEED!!! They are Good at EVERYTHING!!
Hi Mike, thanks for your great article. As a Londoner, what I love about London is that every street, almost every paving stone, is full of history. For instance, just next to the Royal Exchange in the City, is a statue of George Peabody, the first modern philanthropist, and a member of the Hall of Fame for Great Americans. He was also the first of only two Americans to be granted the Freedom of the City of London. He founded a trust to build low-rent flats for poor but deserving Londoners, and many a Londoner you meet will have been brought up on one of about a dozen Peabody Estates.
Every year, the third weekend in September is Open House Weekend, when many of the interesting buildings are open for free. Try Dr Johnson’s house, just north of Fleet Street, or any of the Livery Halls, such as the Vintners’, on the north bank of the Thames just by Southwark Bridge, or Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Take a London Walk — brochures from your hotel or from the internet – you will be escorted by a real expert on London. By the way, you can walk into St Paul’s for free, it’s only when you start going upstairs it gets expensive.
Hello Mike, I am an absent Londoner who takes any opportunity to return, it is a magnet. My favourite areas are around Bayswater, Oxford Street and the many small streets behind it, with their wonderful small restaurants and bistros, probably because I lived close by during schooling and my youth Taking coffee at a street cafe on a warm day to watch the world go by is a delight. One of my favourite books is London..The Biography by Peter Ackroyd, noone knows London better. It is a wonderful coffee-table book that alwayd ellicits interest, and some questions, by visitors. I recommend it to you, firstly the written biography, then the pictorial edition. Enjoy!
p.s. I am looking for a ship that will dock at Greenwich for the duration of the Olympics 2012. If not Greenwich then perhaps Tilbury or Dover. Any reccommendations appreciated.
Hi Mike, Thank you for this lovely article. I am the same age as you, and I was in NIce, France on July 4, 1976. They had a parade, and fireworks, and at the time I remember thinking would I regret not being at home for this celebration? The answer is of course not, it was actually an amazing experience with everyone cheering. I also lost my dad 21 years ago, and I wish I has had the opportunity to go to Europe with him. He was a total sun lover, so all of our family vacations involved a beach. I still remember his excitement at my first trip, and his suggestions for everything I sghould see while there. Thanks again, Catherine
Dear Mike, i love your story about London and your pictures as well. I lived in England for 14 years now right up north in the Lake District and it’s beautiful up here sinds 2 years i’ve been going to London as often as i can, just love it down there especially the old buildings with their own history, people are really friendly like most big cities! I’m from Amsterdam myself and travelled a lot when i was younger and i hope to travel again soon now my kids have grown up! My wish is to go to all the big cities in Canada and America where i haven’t been yet.
x
When I was a kid, nothing delighted me more than the London Dungeon. A morbid wax museum of torture and execution? It was automatically my favorite part of my London trip
London has a few spots on this list of essential landmarks to see before you die, including Buckingham palace. What do you think? http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/historical-landmarks-to-see-before-i-die
i think london has landmarks everywhere you look.its my favourite city,so go and enjoy them all evan .love from AUSTRALIA/
So many times you skim through an article and then go “whoaaa! Your father
was one of the most respected and admired in the travel industry. Whenever he
spoke at a function we listened, applauded and utilized what he said!
Nice to know that you have followed in his travel footsteps and I agree that London
is a fabulous city. It is a great city even on a very tight budget. My son went and
packed a loaf of bread and peanut butter and jelly-it came in handy.
I also was born in 1955 but in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. I was not born to a wealthy family so did not get the advantages that you obviously did, but I am a lover of the UK, especially London and environs. I am very much a royalist an did enjoy seeing the Queen at Balmoral in the 70′s when I was there belonging to the Fraser Pipe Band of Regina. I have travelled with Princess but now prefer Crystal, Azamara, Regent 7 Seas, or Paul Gaugin for their enhanced pleasures. I did enjoy your comments about London, limited as they were by US slant.
Hi, Mike – - – - Really enjoyed your terrific write-up about your London experiences starting with your parents and then your dad. Memories you’ll have forever.
Bill & I have enjoyed several visits to London and always see something new. Spent a few days there Feb, 1998 on our way to Kenya. Stayed at a hotel on Shaftsbury Street, I believe. Great location but between the pub crawlers partying and throwing bottles onto the street and after a short lull, out came the street cleaners, sleep was at a minimum!! Great stay, regardless.
On another visit we came out of a tube and asked a local for directions to the Cabinet War Rooms (a definite must for you on next trip). His cockney accent was so thick that Bill & I looked at each other and asked, “Do we speak the same language????!!”
So far my favorite play has been “Buddy”. By the end of it we were dancing in the aisles!!!
After your great tips on places to visit and accommodations, I can’t wait to return. Will have to wait, as Bill & I are working on a trip to Antartica in December!!
Love to you and Nancy,
Sandy
Loved your blog Mike, I feel the same way about London. I headed over to London from Sydney, Australia for 6 months after a stint in Vietnam with the Australian Military during the war to find myself as the old story goes. Well as Samuel Johnson famously said “Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” That what happened to me I stayed for 5 years until I completely run out of money. In between trips to Europe, the old Warsaw pack countries and even a cruise from Southampton to Vancouver via North Africa, Caribbean and the USA, Mexico on a P & O liner.
Try and get back their as much as possible. Last time before take a Tahitian (now Ocean) Princess cruise from Dublin to Scandinavia and St Petersburg with my wife and showed her London for the first time. Now she cannot wait to get back.
I’ve finally grown sick and tired at hearing or seeing Westminster Tower called “Big Ben”. Big Ben is simply the largest bell in the tower, which is just called Westminster Tower!
Well I am English and lived in London for 12 years. Technically, of course, you are correct. However, I have never heard anyone call it Westminster Tower. Everyone calls it “Big Ben”.
I believe the correct name for the tower that holds Big Ben is St. Michael’s Tower.
We just spent 8 great days in London after taking the Grand Princess over from Ft.Lauderdale ending up in Southampton. We stayed at the lovely Colonnade Hotel in Little Venice which was a great place as it is only steps away from the Warwick Tube stop. Lots of great pubs and places to eat near the hotel including Gordon Ramsay’s The Warrington just down the end of the block. We got an Oyster Card and used it up on the tube and bus lines during our daily forays out to see as much of London as we could in the time we had. We liked the British Museum, Harrod’s, The National Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, Greenwich and riding on fast boats on the Thames. Tried going to the Tower of London, but it was pouring rain that day and we decided to go to St. Paul’s Cathedral instead – was a little surprised at the 28 pound admission charge for 2. The canal boat ride from Little Venice to Camdon Lock was delightful and we just stumbled on it. We did lots of walking all around London and happened to see the changing of the Royal Calvary Guards. Walking around Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Bloomsbury, and Westminster expanded our experiences in London and the tube is a marvel, so fast and so reliable and easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Before getting to London we got to see other areas of the UK like Scotland, Wales and Cornwall so our total UK trip was so wonderful and educational. But most of all seeing London up close and personal was the icing on the cake.
Hi Mike, A great story. I must agree with you on virtually all of your likes. I’ve been to London and the U.K. about 8 times since 1978. I went there all by myself at the tender age of 23 and fell in love with the city, the people, the history and the scenery. It is, by far, my favorite place to visit.
Love your story. I was born in London and lived in the suburbs when I was young. I live in the South East and still visit regularly.
Great read Mike! I can’t imagine who the two sleepy colleagues may have been…but certainly no one slept through this interesting story. Really enjoyed reading of your adventures in London and all that you have shared with your family.
hello mike from AUSTRALIA,i’ve visited all the big cities in the world,without doubt i love LONDON the most.i love all the pomp and ceremony,no other cities have that.love walking up the mall to buckingham palace,walking through HARRODS,love all the various english accents. the little pubs ,must sign off and book a flight for october
I loved this virtual visit to London!
I visited London once in college on my way to Russia and on the return. My overwhelming feeling was of being home. It was amazing to feel so comfortable and I took advantage of the Tube to see Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, see plays in the West End, visit the National Gallery and have tea in a shop on Piccadilly Circus – I packed so much into those two days. Now I want to return more than ever!
We stopped in London for one night before boarding a cruise ship. We took a taxi from the airport to our Kensington area hotel. This cost about $40 which I felt was fair. We had too much luggage to venture onto the tube. The hotel was pleasant and our room very nice. We opted to take a hop-on-hop-off tour bus. We boarded about 2PM, but there was so much traffic that we didn’t dare get off for fear of not getting back to our hotel before the bus stopped at 6PM for the day. We assumed that they bus would run until 9PM which is why we took it. We saw very little besides other tour buses. And, for that we paid $40 each. The ticket was for a 24-hour period, but after the 1st day of taking 3 hours to go round trip, we didn’t dare take the tour bus the next day since we had to get to the ship. But, when we asked at the hotel to get us a cab to go to Southampton to board the ship, they told us that it was a 2-hour drive and that cabs won’t go that far because they wouldn’t get a customer for the return trip. Since by now we had only three hours to get there, we took their advice and they hired a private car for us. They told us the price would be 270 pounds, and we agreed. Well, the ride was one hour and thirty-six minutes which came out to almost $500. I am still furious when I think about that. I feel we were totally ripped off. Go back to London again??… I don’t think so !
Well at least 1 other person than me knows wahat the REAL London is like and not what you see on TV. On the 4 times i have been to London the Taxi fares were 3X the price of anywhere else, and they were definitely the worst taxi drivers in the country. When they see someone who’s visiting for the 1st time it’s always seen as a chance to rip someone off without them realising. 4 times going there will never be a 5th.
did you know that princess offers a motorcoach from victoria coach station to the ship
in southampton, the meeting time is i thing between 11 and and noon, so you don’t have to go back to heathrow or gatwidk, for future cruisers you can prereserve this and it is the same price, i thing 49 $ us as the regular transfer, all you need to do then is take a taxi from you hotel to the Victoria Coach Station, your luggage goes on the same motorcoach as you, i know that this is hidsight for you and i am sorry, but it may help someone else…..
sorry my typing was so bad, if i am correct you meet at VCStation around 11 am as the last motorcoach to southampton leaves from there at approximately noon. Of course you can go back to lgw (gatwick) or lhr( heathrow) and take that transfer if your hotel is closer or you are staying with family etc/ car rental is better if you drop at the airport but there is certainly and the airport is more convenient
It’s always good to do your homework before visiting a new country or city, in that way you would have realised the distance between London and Southampton. You could have bought a reasonably priced train ticket to get you to Southampton with plenty of room on the train for luggage etc. It’s better not to assume things like the time of the hop on hop off bus either – next time plan ahead and you will enjoy the sights of London without worrying or paying too much.
You may like to stay on your next trip at the Marriott at St Pancras station hotel. They have spent thousands restoring it to its former glory. Just pull it up online for a view of it.
London is a special place and Mike you capture the essence of the city well. My Dad was born in Kingston and on one of my visits to London I managed to visit this coronation city which has been modernized so. When my Dad who also has passed last visited London and Kingston in the late 50, he told me that he was amazed that so many people did not speak English when asked a question. I love the hop on hop off bus and highly recommend it for my clients visiting the city for the first time. Will be coming back to London in Nov. 12 as we embark on the Grand for a transatlantic voyage and can’t wait. Keep writing and posting.
What a wonderful writeup of your experiences in London. London is one of my favorite cities also.
What a great story of all the connections to the great old city of London. While certainly my favorite city in the world, my 2nd favorite is Chicago and what really caught my eye was your story about the Queens visit to Chicago. My father now gone for 33 years, had a cabin cruiser which was kept at Jackson harbor, with my family all aboard that day we when out and spent the day making circles around the wonderful Britannia and seeing the crowds of other boats out to see the Queen. Although only 6 at that time I remember it clearly in my head, it certainly changed the way Chicago was viewed in the world. I too have visited London at least 20 times, always a special treat!
Hi Mike,
I enjoyed your article on London very much. It is one of my favorite cities too. I can’t believe your dad has been gone 21 years. We first met in the Chicago days and had many pleasant meetings and conversations…mostly about cruises and travel. I miss him and think of him often. All the best to you.
I live in London and thought you might like some interesting facts.
Did you know: Behind the Guildhall in London is the tiny churchyard of ST Mary Aldermanbury. The church was bombed during the Blitz and the remains were shipped to Fulton, Missouri, where they were re-erected as a memorial to Sir Winston Churchill.
One of the best views in London is from the top of the Monument – it’s 202 feet high because it is 202 feet from the site of the baker’s house in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. There are 311 stairs to climb.
Marble Arch is a well-known landmark, seemingly lost on its own island. It was originally built as the entrance to Buckingham Palace but not used. Inside the Arch is a tiny office which used to be a police station.
On the traffic island at the junction of Edgware Road & Marble Arch is a plaque which most people ignore, marking the site of the Tyburn Tree, London’s main execution spot, where about 50,000 people were executed. Nearby in Bayswater Road is the Shrine and Tyburn Convent where the nuns still pray for the souls of those whose lost their lives.
Covent Garden is really a spelling mistake! The area used to be the market garden for what is now Westminster Abbey monastery and convent.
Until 1902 Harrods sold pure cocaine to the public
Soho was part of King Henry VIII’s hunting grounds. When a hunter spied a deer, he yelled “Tally-Ho!”, but with a smaller prey, the cry became “So-Ho!”
Alexander Pope planted the first Willow Tree in England in his garden at Twickenham. All the willows in Britain are related to this tree
Cool! thanks for the info, I am hoping to visit England someday, as I just found out that my family tree goes back to the Windsor family…This was a pretty nifty discovery!
Mike, thanks for your great blog-a great walk through London & your life as well!
Mike, thanks for sharing this heart-warming story. I got teary when you mentioned your dad’s passing and smiled at the photo of you and baby Joe. Next time I’m headed to London I will be calling you for advice. Thank you again for sharing your memories.
I love London,too, but it being my familiar, my wife and I love getting away on a cruise
J.H. I couldn’t agree more. We love to cruise, and the UK offers to many wonderful opportunities. Embarking from Southampton, we have been able to cruise to Scandinavia, British Isles, the Western Med & transatlantic crossings.
Hello Mike, I enjoyed your article about my home City, and wanted to recommend a visit to Apsley House at Hyde Park corner, for your next visit. This was the home of, in my opinion, the Greatest Briton, The Duke of Wellington. It is a gem often missed.
All the best,
Kevin Jones
Hello Michael, I loved your article and I love London! I am taking my young niece and nephew to London and Paris next week and I hope that this trip will be a part of their memories and awaken a yearning for travel and adventure as it did for you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories of London and your Dad.
Mike, I absolutely loved reading your story! I knew you were partial to London, but never knew why. I have only been there a few times, but now I definitely will add to my travel bucket list again. You have opened my eyes and mind, and have created a new interest! Thank you so much for sharing. You have a way with words that made a wonderful visual!
My memories of London go all the way back to World War 2 when I was a US Army soldier stationed near that great city. On weekends and a couple of furloughs spent there I marveled at the many sights. Even the experiences of the Blitz and V2 Rockets didn’t dim my love for this wonderful city and the citizens who were so friendly to this grateful Yank . I’ve been back many times over the intervening years and still consider London one of the best cities of the world.
Hi Jack. Thank you so much for your message and your service to our country. My father was also a veteran of World War 2. He was a Marine and served in the Pacific campaign. On my next visit to London, I plan to visit the Cabinet War Wars and the Churchill suite.
Hello Michael,
I read you very interesting article, what a wonderful tale! I am glad you love London as much as me, I was very fortunate to be born and brought up in this fantastic City, I went to school and work in Westminster, I worked in Westminster City Hall in Victoria Street and could look down into what we called the Queen’s garden (in Buckingham Palace) we used to have a joke at work saying we could see the Corgi’s running about !
Believe it or not London as a wealthy city doesn’t rely on money from other areas, on the contrary it supports many other towns and cities within the UK. Love or hate it, ‘it’s my kinda town!’
I also have an interest in New York, it must be ‘City thing’
Name me 1 city or Town in the country that gets supported by spending all the Tax Payers money on London Like the Billions that are being wasted on the Olympic games for just 2 weeks, How much was spent on that Comical Millenium Dome Eyesore. Or the £800 million spent just to rebuild a football stadium, and dont forget about cost of new terminals at Heathrow. When was the last time this kind of money ever got spent on any other part of the country!
Mike, you write very well and this makes for a fun read – especially for those of us who love London, as well!
Loved reading this, have known Mike for over 25 years and it was fun to look back. Started with Hub Tour & Travel in the mid 80′s and remain with Rosenbluth going on 22 years. Good luck Mike.
Hi Debi. So great to hear from you! Would love to catch up with you on my next visit. Take care.
Loved your article and have very fond memories of your Dad and you.I always felt he was my inspiration. Was at San Diego Travel Group-now at Worldview Travel
Celia Levy
I LOVE LONDON AND HAVE FOR THE PAST 30 ODD YEARS. IFIND IT VERY FRIENDLY AND NOW HAVE MANY FRIENDS THERE.
I RECOMMEND THE CANAL BOAT FROM CAMDEN TOWN TO LITTLE VENICE ON A NICE SUMMER DAY. YOU GO THROUGH REGENT’S PARK AND IT IS SO RELAXING.
I HAVE STAYED FOR UP TO THREE MONTHS AND NOW ALWAYS RENT A FLAT AND FEEL LIKE IT IS MY SECOND HOME
Hi Robert. Thank you for your recommendation of the canal boat. I was enjoy adding new experiences on my visits.
Thanks for this tip. I don’t beieve I have done this trip, but it is now on my list.
We stayed a week at the Colonnade Hotel in Little Venice and we visited the Regent’s Canal. We spent sometime exploring the canal and took a boat ride down to Camden. We passed along the Aviary of the Zoo. It was a mind expanding trip right in the heart of London. We took the return boat trip back up the canal. Spent sometime then walking along the banks of the canal.
Mike, I enjoyed so much reading this. It’s interesting and moving to read how much this amazing city has affected your life in so many ways. Loved seeing the pictures through the years….. I totally understand the feelings you expressed, as Italy has changed my life in every way. Foreign travel sometimes does that! Thanks, and please write more.
Italy is always high on my travel list. My first cruise ever departed out of Venice. What a wonderful memory. Thanks for your comments Gail.
RPD London is not the most unfriendly city in the world. How much have you travelled? It is a beautiful city filled with great buildings and people. It is the capital of England so maybe thats why they get more money than some other UK cities. I can name many other European cities that are not as friendly and that are expensive and without any charm.
Actually i have visited almost every section of the UK and Ireland and Londoners are easily the most unfriendly. You think that just because it’s the Capital City it automatically should get more than anywere else. I toured America last year and id not notice Washington having more money to spend than New York, LA, or Chicago, just because their Politicians lived there.
Mike, I really enjoyed reading your story! London has so much history and there are many beautiful sights to see that represent that history in such a wonderful way. I spent 3 pre-cruise days and 3 post-cruise days there back in 1997 and felt like I only had a taste of a truly majestic city! I found the residents of London to be very kind and helpful. They showed pride in their city and were most enjoyable to interact with during my stay. I stayed in the Dorset Square area near Baker Street and did all my own driving including to the Royal Princess in Dover! Hampton Court was truly a fairy tale palace and was a highlight for me! I walked around most of the major sites and took a boat tour along the River Thames. I hope to return someday. Thank you Mike for sharing this amazing journey with all of us!
I disagree, yes I am biased as I am a Londoner and more friendly and helpful people I have yet to meet, but perhaps its how you come across to them! London is so steeped in history and so much of it to visit. Of course there are other cities in England that would welcome the tourism and equally historic but London and true Londoners are not unfriendly. Its what you make of your time whilst there and where you go to.
Christine, I agree 100%. Londoners are a big part of what makes the city so special to me.
The only thing i agree with you, is the the fact that as a Londoner you are biased. Talking to other Londoners while visiting they never seemed to have the slightest interest in the rest of the UK, and almost looked at themselves as living in their own seperate little country.
Thanks Mike I loved reading this and thanks for all the pictures they are great. It is so nice to see your travels through three generations. Now I know where and what to check out when I get to London some day.
London is probably the most unfriendly city in the world, with the most arrogant and bigheaded people in the world. It’s a city that for decades has always managed to get along, while other less famous cities in England were strugglging due to London always getting their money.