PART 2 FUN TIMES IN LONDON

THIS IS THE MAGNIFICENT PETERSHAM HOTEL IN RICHMOND, SURREY

This hotel and its setting are where Turner and Reynolds painted their exquisite landscapes of the English countryside. The first structure on the land was built in 1650. It is in Richmond, a village about 30 minutes outside of London. I soon discovered that it is the Beverly Hills or Bel Air of London.......that ritzy suburb, just out of reach, yet close enough, where those live who would rather be just outside of London Just a walk through their village and you see women dressed like they are on Rodeo Dr. In this case, it isn't a turn-off--it's just a civilized existence.

View from Kim's balcony

Another view from Kim's balcony

Even the ladies room at the Petersham is in classic, beautiful taste.

Kim, Gail and I loved the view at The Petersham. Gail lives in a beautiful flat over-looking Thames in Richmond. The town prides itself on its Georgian architecture. And as for shopping and restaurants, most of the boutiques are branches of the London high-end stores, and the restaurants are first rate.

Richmond flower stall

Richmond pub

Georgian in Richmond

Philip Treacy hats

The above two pictures are from the Petersham Gardens---not the hotel--a separate, breathtaking place. This is a restaurant outdoors in the middle of the gardens and huge, green field with horses and cows. Amazing.

LONDON WAS ITS FABULOUS, WONDERFUL SELF. This time I took the time to visit the porcelains at the Victoria and Albert. 

Then it was the usual tea at Fortnum and Mason, where Alexandra Dewk and I were in the store at the same time and couldn't find each other!

The night brought "War Horse" for Kim, Bob and Gail, and "Jeeves and Wooster" for me. Great night of theatre. Then came The Delaunay. 

It is owned by the same people who owned the Colbert in Paris and London, as well as the Wolseley in London. It's a very hot reservation and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a kind of Austrian-German theme, so the menu goes from pancakes to schnitzel or sausages and kraut. They even have Russian pierogis. I went insane over their food.

The best schnitzel I've ever had

GREAT TRIP HAD BY ALL!!!!