LONDON! So much fun!! We stay at the Hilton right at the Gatwick Airport, and I have to admit... for as often as I fly there, I only take the train into the city maybe a third of the time I travel there... often, it's just nice to relax in my room and I've become QUITE familiar with the airport terminal shops! HA!! I love the little boutique stores, and the Marks & Spencers grocery store has become a favorite. (I always look forward to their "pasta, chicken, tomato & basil salad") But for those times that I DO want to get out?? I am fortunate to get a FREE train ticket on the Gatwick Express for the 30 minute ride to Victoria Station in the heart of London!! From there?? The sky's the limit!! I've been to the famous Harrod's department store, and recently went shopping on Oxford Street for Christmas gifts. It was as bustling as NYC!! GREAT fun!
The trains are frequent, smooth, fast and even have a beverage & snack cart that comes through... nice to be served now and then for a change!...
I will always remember my first "Double-decker" bus tour through London... it was INCREDIBLE!! It lasted over 2 hours .... and my first impression?? The city was so much BIGGER than I expected! It just went ON and ON! Absolutely beautiful!
And EVERYWHERE I go there is STARBUCKS!! Look what we started! ha! A Mint Mocha in the winter? Divine!
Hyde Park was beautiful and quite a gathering place... I look forward to taking a picnic there this coming summer...
Another definite "must do" in the future? The London Eye ferris wheel... it stands over 400 feet tall, and takes 30 minutes for a full circle ride. The views are said to be up to 25 miles on a clear day... ahhhhh... that's the secret... getting a clear day in London! grin!
The "London Bridge"??? No, but most of us tourists think that it is... the London Bridge is really just a basic bridge... this Tower Bridge is more eye-catchting though...
I always love and appreciate the "old" and the "new" of the architecture while traveling overseas.
Westminster Abby Church... another great tour to look forward to.....
Big Ben... such a lovely sight!
Always more fun to be had with a great crew! Rosemary (on the left) and I stay in touch... she is from Atlanta, GA, and a true "southern belle". It didn't rain the day we toured, but it was windy and cold... how do you like our free "slickers"??
And what would a day in London be without "fish and chips" at a local Pub??
Buckingham Palace... I'd love to go back and see the "changing of the guards" sometime.
My very first London crew.... as I've said before, a crew can make a trip "fun"... or "very long"... I'm so glad that this one was wonderful!! Many happy memories and I always enjoy running into them at the airport or in the crew room... I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of London! (p.s... remember to click on the photo, is you want to enlarge them! ) xo Jackie
A cloudy day for us in Paris... but you know what?? I don't think you would EVER use the words "dreary" or "gloomy" as we do at times. Paris is just too beautiful!! There truly is something about this glorious city that makes it one of the number ONE places that girls dream about going! And I am no exception! It's ALWAYS a treat to visit! (click on photos to enlarge)
How about our new crew room? Wowie!! Modern, comfortable and free Internet too. A great kitchen even includes a coffee, espresso machine! And how do you like my live model, Mary?! Ha! She was a good sport to pose for me and a real joy to work with too! I never tire of young, hard working FA's who are full of spunk and life! It's what makes my work fun.
What a perfect outing we had in Paris! The "ISM" (Inflight Service Manager or "Lead FA") on our flight over, Rex invited us to join him to take the train for dinner near Notre Dame, which is considered the "Latin Quarter" in Paris. Here are Mary, me & our crew's ISM, Marissa enjoying the quaint streets of the Latin Quarter.
We were sooooo fortunate to find a little Bistro that really was the epitome of what you hope to find when looking for an authentic french restaurant! The ambiance was enchanting, the food was fabulous and the company and conversation, the best! Thanks again Rex!
This photo of the Eiffel tower at night was actually taken on one of my summer trips... but it captures the essence of the "Sparkles" the best! I really can't even describe how INCREDIBLE the Eiffel Tower is at night when at the top of the hour the sparkling light show begins!! I can't get enough of it!! And I can hardly wait to start taking friends and family there with me!! 
Well.... sooner or later we DO have to fly passengers back to the States! Ha! Oh yeah, that's right! I'm working!! I almost forgot! Here is my final view from the hotel parking lot of that ever magical landmark.... Tour Eiffel... until next time... au revoir! Lord bless you ALL! xo
