Natalie and Roger are waiting for us at the hotel when we arrive. We are so happy to see them, and to be here, even though our plans have been cut short. We catch up for a bit, then get checked in and walk across the street to our rooms. Natalie has managed to get us upgraded to suites – because those are the only rooms with double beds and that is what she booked. The room is nice and cozy – and we are facing out the back toward other buildings, so it is nice and quiet. Plus – bonus – the room comes with a complimentary “Handy” –our free travel companion. Seriously, a complimentary smart phone that you can use to make international and local calls free of charge – plus use the data around town. Great perk!
Once situated and freshened up, we meet again in the downstairs lobby to go explore Paddington. We had a few walks and sites planned, but now with our late arrival, we ditch most of the itinerary and head over to the Little Venice area of Paddington which consists of lovely canals and interesting bridge architecture. This was on of the destinations on my original itinerary for today, but at noon, when the fan bridge opens. Unfortunately, we are far too late for that event now, but we can still enjoy the atmosphere here – and the beautifully sunny and warm day.
We walk all the way to the end of the canal, watching house boats glide past and peeking inside docked boats with laundry hung and pots on the stove. We pass Browning’s island (shown above) and make our way up onto the bridge by the toll house. We all take turns up on the bridge. Boys first, then girls..
Then we reverse our course and walk back toward Paddington station, stopping at Smith’s Pub for liquid refreshments. After resting and quenching our thirst, we head back to the hotel for a little bit of rest before heading out for dinner.
Tonight we are having Greek at a tavern a few minutes walk away called Kalamara’s. They get good reviews and the web site says they are favorites of the Rolling Stones and other bands. Good enough for us! We use our “Handy” companion to navigate the winding little streets of Paddington and end up at the restaurant – situated in an alley – called a “mews” here in London – without any glitches.
We are early, and we have the place mostly to ourselves. The manager comes over to great us and explains he is training 2 waitresses – so we are warned! But all is well, and we spend a lovely time eating our way through Baba ganoush (called something else, but basically the same thing), lamb kabobs, sardines, calamari and octopus. After dinner, we reconvene in Roger and Natalie’s room (which we are now calling the pub) for more wine (I bought another bottle from the restaurant, because I knew I liked it and it was easier than trying to find something in the store), beer and snacks as we chat the night away.
Our one day is over far too soon!
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