Whatever the reason, our transatlantic flight is only half full. This means we each get two seats, which is a huge asset on an overnight flight. Good news is that dinner yesterday was at 20:30 (we’ve taken flights to England when it was after midnight). Bad news is that it’s not very good. Air Canada’s meals have been deteriorating steadily for years now. Happily, their wine hasn’t. It’s surprisingly good. So at breakfast (minimalism now peaking at a single stone cold slice of sweet spice bread, supplemented by us with cheese) when J declines to have last night’s empty wine bottle collected with the detritus - as they’re handy in our winter existence for small amounts of oil or vinegar, the stewardess asks if he’d like another and brings it. So our carry-ons now have two mini bottles of wine, suitable for picnicking in the hotel room, as I hadn’t drunk my second one last night.
We’re hours early for the hotel check in. Not, unfortunately, the Barons, as between weather delayed renovations and some family difficulties they’re not available. But the we’re only a couple of blocks away. Location fractionally better for tube stations and coffee shop. To which we repair to wake ourselves up with Starbucks filter and read the news until we can have our room. Bigger than Barons and less familial. Well not familial at all. Decent price and not familial at all. Decent price and (a bonus) wifi, but more into printed rules and waivers - no smoking or smoking up and signed acknowledgments, e.g. of the fact that all internet use involves significant privacy, security and confidentiality risks. Yes, VPN well worth it. Room is basic but fine. Clean, loo ok, quite a decent tv, pristine kettle.
Ah yes, kettle. J spots the sign by the tap saying that the water is not drinkable. What? This is London, where the water is always drinkable, and with no chemical cum chlorine taste. I inquire in reception. Well we don’t recommend it. If you boil it, it’s all right. Tell them that we have been staying in London for years and have never encountered a hotel where you couldn’t drink the water. Some wriggling. Well you CAN drink it - I do, the girl admits - but we don’t RECOMMEND it. Ah, the lawsuit averseness. So this is the same water that other buildings in this area use? Yes. There’s no particular problem with your pipes? Oh, NO. Right. Problem solved.