Bye London!

Carefully, we packed our most precious items to be handcarried onto the plane into totes- boxes of chocolate and tupperware containing the huge slices of chocolate meringue cake that Aunt E gave; gifts from the friends, etc.

The car was waiting at the door already.

Our very sweet concierge had earlier sorted out our check-in stuff and printed hardcopies of boarding passes. He and the driver wouldn't let us carry anything! They loaded all our suitcases into the car. 2 huge ones, 2 small cabin pieces, 1 laptop trolley, 2 totes and 1 guitar case. Amazingly, they all fit snugly into the boot.

I generally choose to spend vacations at beach resorts or some destination with an unpronounceable name. If I've to stay in a city, there better be friends, plenty of museums to visit and minimal shopping at the malls. Quirky non-touristy type indie shops would be preferable. Luckily, London has plenty to offer by way of experiencing a city. I don't love it as much as NYC, but it is still lovely. This trip, I'm glad we visited all the friends and aunts we wanted to say hello to.

This vacation has ended too soon! I ummm....don't want to come home leh. There're spots in London that we haven't had time to explore.

We can argue the finer points of the social system much later only if we're citizens or have a vested interest in the country. If you wear flats and birkies or 2.5 inch heels, London's a really easy city to live in. V, I bet you can *stride through the streets in your 4.5 inchers with ease. Stilettos are only for the true fashionistas (not me) and the brave.

*mind the potholes!