Day #1 London Calling......

 .....and, we're back! The plane got in about 12:30pm, and the jet lag hit hard about 7:30pm (or it could've been the wine, who knows). I wanted to get this up before I crashed, but please believe that after I type this, I'm crashing.  

Apologies for the snobbery, but if you can fly business class on international flights, do it. Sitting in a lie-flat seat and being able to get a good nap is the difference between losing a day to jet lag and being able to keep going. I got a good 6hrs plus breakfast, and it's the only reason I felt good about walking around today. 

Today was Leicester Square, Hermes (accidental) and Fortnum and Mason. I've heard several London blogs call the Square "the place where good taste goes to die" but I really enjoyed it. You go there realizing it's a tourist hot spot, and you're fine. There are street performers on every corner, which gave the square a carnival atmosphere. The reason I went was for the statues. They started as an exhibition a few years ago, and became so popular that they stayed long past their original expiration date. I got pics with some of my favorites. 

Paddington! Even his statue is cute and cuddly. 

An in-depth discussion with Mr. Bean. I traded with two other tourists to get this shot. 

Mary Poppins 

Wonder Woman was a bit hard to find. She's around the corner and high up. Her lasso does light up at night, though, which makes her extra cool. 

Batman keeps watch from the top of the movie theatre. 

Charlie Chaplin. The idea that the only way to get a picture of him was with McDonalds perfectly framed in the background makes me laugh..... 

And lastly, Gene Kelly singing in the rain......

While I was in Leicester Square I saw a gentleman carrying an Hermes bag, which made me realize their flagship store was only about 10minutes away. I know the chance of me getting a bag - any bag - from the store was slim to none, but I had to try. If nothing else it would be a chance to see some of their bags up close and personal instead of looking at tiny pictures only. It's really difficult to decide what you like / don't like off of tiny pictures. It was a nice surprise to discover their sales associates were as nice and kind as could be (I had hear mixed reviews online, I was a little worried). Plus, they had a small terrace where they offered free coffee and champagne. If you wanted a spot for people watching, that was it. 

A lovely spot for (free!) champagne sipping and people watching

Finally, Fortnum and Mason. This is where the jet lag hit me. It's also where I have to talk about the fabulous customer service. My mission was to find a Scotch Egg (recommended in a travel blog). Not only was the original associate able to give me a history of the Scotch Egg while we were walking over, the lady behind the counter was kind enough to package and save the last one for me, enabling me to take it back to the hotel room for dinner. I also discovered lots of pre-prepared items are 50-75% off at the end of the night. The Nutella shortbread tart made for a really great second course! 

It's not an artistic picture, but it tasted good!

.....and now I'm crashing. Tomorrow is Big Ben, Mercato Market and Hadestown. Looking forward to it! (and to some sleep!)