Before relaying the day’s events, would like to share how this new incarnation of On the Flip Side originated. And to that end, I owe two debts of gratitude, the first being to that great American pastime of baseball. While many lament of the slowness of a baseball game, such leisurely pacing allows one to discuss and in this case dream and then act on what could be beyond the game.

As to the trip over, again flew Icelandair, but unlike in 2012 and 2014, no drama of either the good (2012) or bad (2014) sort. The flight from Denver to Reykjavik was uneventful and on-time. However, I was only able to get a couple of hours of decent sleep towards the end of the flight despite my best efforts to fully utilize the onboard wine bar. Consequently, I slept through 80% of the flight from Reykjavik to London, but didn’t miss the breakfast as I did on the first leg. Once on the ground in Heathrow Airport, had a successful reunion with my luggage unlike 2014. Affirmed, that as promised, my Oyster Card for the Underground was still valid and holding some 8 pounds and change after being in hiatus for 10 years. Topped it up at a kiosk and then helped sort out (as our British cousins like to say) a young American woman who found herself directionally challenged in transitting to London via the Tube.

Found my hotel, The Belgrave, quickly enough after a lengthy ride on the Piccadilly line and a short ride on the Victoria line. After a nap and freshening up, went in search of dinner. Decided on a place serving a variety of international faire where I discovered the trick to getting good beef in the UK – order a steak that is made from beef raised in Ireland! Afterward did a bit of walking about including down along the Thames. On the way back to my hotel, stopped in at a small convenience store for some drinks and came to find out that the five pound note I had from ten years ago was no longer valid. They do expire their notes after a period of time after a newer design has been issued – oh well, a bit of currency to be added to the coin collection. 😉

Tomorrow, during my one full day in London, I hope to have some photos to share via On the Flip Side. As always, please feel free to share this link with anyone who expresses an interest. And of course, if I am cluttering up your inbox, simply let me know and I will correct that. Lastly, as many of you may have noticed, in the past I always signed off as Michel, the name I am know by in my French class. Going forward, that is changing on the new On the Flip Side, as I will be using my improved and very much cherished title of Papi – the French word for Grandpa and how I am know by my Grandson Oliver.

Until later,

Papi