A Great Day Out In London (Part 2)

A Great Day Out In London (Part 2)

After a great afternoon at the RAF Club, and fortified by a delicious lunch (and champagne), our trip into town still had some way to run. 

Wendy had organised parking in the RCP car park in Arlington Street, and because of the way we had had to estimate how long we would need, it ended up as a 24 slot. It was expensive, but at least we could take our time and not have to rush, worrying about overstaying our time.

We walked back to the car park; Wendy retrieved our shopping trolley from the boot, and then we carried on along Piccadilly to Fortnum and Mason.

Of course we also passed The Ritz entrance in Arlington Street, and it gave me a moment's pause, remembering how often we used to go there with Mum; back in the day, we would go for tea 5 times a year, to celebrate all our birthdays! but since then, there have been so many changes, people retiring or leaving and new ideas being introduced by the new owners that, for us, it doesn't bear much resemblance to The Ritz - and the atmosphere - we knew and loved. 

Still, no regrets; happy memories of what once was, and we have found a new romantic home at Fortnum and Mason.

I had pre-ordered some goodies as presents for our dear friends and loved ones at Christmas, and the plan was to collect them after the RAF luncheon, as well as seeing what else took our fancy in the shop.

The "Christmas Store" was already open, and we spent a happy hour admiring the delights of Christmas trees and baubles, Advent candles and decorations; there is now definitely something in the air, that the festive season will soon be upon us. 

I do love Christmas; I never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, and it is also the time when we can make a real effort to keep in touch with everyone, write all those letters we should have sent off weeks (or even months!) ago, before our busy lives intruded and persuaded us it was o.k. to postpone everything for a while. Yes, sometimes we can get away with putting things off, but then there are the times when it proves to be too late to speak to someone, or write to them; from personal experience, I know how sad that can be. I try to make sure I keep up with what I love to do, anyway - and that is to write and keep in contact with everyone.

Wendy by one of the Fortnum and Mason Christmas trees

We enjoyed a visit to the Christmas Store and indeed found other delicious offerings of gifts and goodies; then it was down to the lower ground floor to collect the items already ordered. 

Everything was ready for us - beautifully packed in three (!) very large boxes! and it was a shame we couldn't take them all back to the car just as they were.  We carefully undid all the boxes, assisted by a very helpful lady, who checked everything was exactly what we wanted, and then Wendy, being the expert packer that she is, placed all the biscuits and teas and chocolates into Fortnum and Mason bags, which then went in to our trolley. It was all very heavy! but with wheels underneath the trolley bag, it simply rolled along effortlessly. There were still a few bags left to carry, filled with the "overflow" items, but it meant we got back to the car with little effort, loaded everything in the back, and set off for home.

Altogether a successful, and enjoyable, day out in London!