That's right! I escaped to London for 24 hours! Schatzi was already in the UK on business and planned a nice day out for Mommy, including tickets to the musical, Love Never Dies, the sequel to Phantom. What about the girls? Oh, don't worry, the girls were well looked after in Bucharest by a friend from church.
While Schatzi was in the office, I hit Oxford Street for some civilized shopping.
Tasty cupcakes at Lola's in Selfridges department store (which used to be the largest department store in London; now the honor belongs to Harrods.)
Of course, I spent a significant amount of time daydreaming here, primarily on the 4th floor among the heirloom quality children's wear. There was at least a 1/4 acre devoted to darling dresses!
Hamley's is the London equivalent of FAO Schwartz . . . toys, toys, toys. I found a few little souvenirs for the girls.
More lovely shops . . . this one close to the Ritz.
Somehow, I even managed to squeeze in some house-hunting and found the perfect little place for us in the country . . . if only it were pink.
Cheery window boxes everywhere!
My stop on the tube.
Practicing "Look right".
Lover Never Dies . . . I didn't even know that a sequel was in the works . . . pitiful considering it takes both of my hands to count the times I've seen Phantom. But my ever-faithful Schatzi keeps his eye out for me and was anxious to take me to see the show (which doesn't open on Broadway until 2011).
I kept eyeing the Haagen Daaz ice creams during intermission, but in an amazing act of restraint, I held out for dinner.
At the stage door after the show with Sierra Boggess, "Christine."
With Ramin Karimloo, "Phantom", who complimented me on Miss P (the dress, remember?). "Oh, thank you! It's vintage from Hong Kong and I just love the wiggle of the fringe" (at which point I swiveled to demonstrate). Without a beat, he replied "And I bet your friend likes the way it wiggles too", nodding at Schatz who was snapping our photo. As you see, I buttoned my sweater and recovered pretty well-- at least I wasn't blushing too badly for the photo.
Post theatre dinner at Rules, the oldest restaurant in London.
I was delighted to find this gas burning "coal" fireplace at Rules--just like at home in the pink house (well naturally, where do you think ours came from?) (You can spy the infamous fringe on my dress . . . if only you could hear it swish . . . I'll have to post video.)
The food was delicious--I can't wait to go back! A perfect meal for me: "Innes Farm Bosworth Goat's Cheese Fritters with Damson Relish, Bacon, Little Gem & Avocado Salad."
A sight for sore, bloodshot eyes . . . do I really get to sleep in?
As wonderful and civilized as London was . . . the best part is arriving home with your sweetheart and picking up your daughters from gradinita!
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