So you’re going to merry olde England — sounds wonderful!! July should be a nice time to travel to London. I’ve visited there a few different times, but at various times of the year (can’t remember if I’ve ever been there in the summer, though). You mentioned Black Paris Tours — which actually is run out of PARIS by Ricki Stevenson — but I didn’t know she’d expanded the business to take in sights on the other side of the Channel!

Sounds like you’ve got many of the traditional tourist sites covered. A couple others that would be great to see: Westminster Abbey (a magnificent church that’s definitely worth visiting for an actual worship service, if you’re so inclined) and the Tower of London (which contains SO much history and offers great tours). London’s one of those cities where you’ll never be able to do it ALL, but a few other things I’d suggest if you’re interested:

* Afternoon tea at Harrod’s (or the Ritz, if you really feel like splurging): The Brits have raised tea to an art form, and there’s nothing like a leisurely, ladylike afternoon in a gorgeous setting sipping on tea, enjoying finger sandwiches and scones with Devonshire cream. It may seem a bit stilted, but go with it. I went to tea at Harrod’s with my sister and mom a few years back and just LOVED the entire experience!

* The Orangery Restaurant at Kensington Palace: Another LOVELY place for a spot of tea — or just to look out over the gardens — is here, on the grounds where Princess Diana used to live (http://www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace/cafesandrestaurants.aspx). This restaurant serves tea, champagne, afternoon tea, and other delights — but it’s just a gorgeous place to dine and afterward to stroll the grounds.

* Portobello Market: You’ll find this two-mile-long market on Portobello Road in the tony ‘hood of Notting Hill (exit the Tube, or Underground, at the “Notting Hill Gate” station and you’re there in five minutes). It’s an outdoor market that sells antiques, clothing items, jewelry — just lots of STUFF. But there are wonderful permanent shops surrounding the outdoor stalls, as well, not to mention lots of restaurants and pubs when you get hungry or thirsty. I believe it’s only open on Saturdays, but definitely worth a trip.

* Brixton: If you want to see where many of the Afro-Caribbean (and other folks of color) live, check out this lively part of town. It’s super-diverse, full of interesting places to eat, hear music and people-watch. It can be a bit “edgy” in places, so put your big city-girl hat on as you walk around.

* Camden Market area: Another fab outdoor market — and one that’s very trendy and cool — is Camden Market (http://www.camdenmarkets.org/). In northwest London, it’s got tons of stalls filled with all sorts of edible and wearable merchandise. It’s just a neat place to go, stroll, nosh and drink, and check out. The people-watching alone will probably be worth the trip.

I’ll write again if I think of some other must-see places. But despite its size, London is a very walkable city and one that’s well worth strolling about. You’ll never be able to do or see it all in a week’s trip, and that’s fine — just gives you a reason to plan a return visit! Have a great time!!!

Maureen

I’ll happily answer your question but I need a better idea of where you’re thinking of going. Very broadly, I’d suggest that you look for locals-only hangouts (restaurants, jazz clubs, etc.), to give yourself a real feel for the culture and not just a cookie-cutter “tourist” one. And depending where you’re going, I’d even recommend renting an apartment to give you a real “local” experience. But if you’re going someplace you’ve never been and have limited language skills, then perhaps a hotel will be more comfortable.

Write me back with YOUR answers and I’ll make some suggestions!

Maureen

But I DID pick up two bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau Joseph Drouhin — which I also enjoyed @ Cyrano’s Thursday night — at Fox & Obel for just $12.99 each! So perhaps you’ll need to host your OWN wine tasting — but they had several bottles at that price and at $17.99 on Sunday night, so hopefully the supply is still there.

Bonne chance!

Maureen

BONNE CHANCE (good luck) planning that getaway to France next year — I want to hear ALL about it!

Au revoir,
Maureen

I figure in this crazy economy, anything we can do to travel mentally to places we’ve been before and loved OR to travel vicariously to places far, far away is a GREAT thing. Cuisine evokes such elementary senses for all of us — and that’s why so many of our memories are tied to our taste buds.

Maureen