Orient Express Steam Day

Took a trip on an Orient Express Pullman service train from London to Bristol to celebrate a significant birthday.This was a train ride done the way things used to be with a steam engine and ultra comfortable coaches .A table for two with immaculate service for  brunch and dinner  were included in the ticket price.

Leaving Victoria station at 9 a.m. we ambled through the English countryside stopping to pick up water supplied by a fire engine .Passengers could get off and see this.Remembered what hard work it was seeing the stokers and fireman shoveling coal to build up steam.

Our destination was Bristol.Taken by coach on arrival  to see Brunel's suspension bridge and then a guided tour of his steam ship in dry dock, beautifully restored. Back to the train for the return journey to London to find our table ready with canapes and cold champagne, followed by a good dinner.If  like Grandpa you like  trains you will love this.

Tunstall village, Suffolk ~ watercolor demonstration

The Wizard of Oz

A brilliant show  at the London Palladium for Grandmas to visit with grandchildren.Witches fly round the auditiorium, snow flakes fall on the audience, the tornado is terrific and the music is hummable .Treat them to a pair of Ruby Slippersocks as a souvenir.

Danielle Hope has a nice voice and is sweet but  this Grandma first saw the film 65 years ago aged 5;there will never be a Dorothy as charismatic as Judy Garland again.

Full house when we were there,this is an experience children love, get them away from the TV and computer screen.

Cambridge Restaurant Midsummer House

This restaurant has 2 Michelin stars. Eating here is a lovely experience.The menu is served as a range of small quantities of utterly delicious dishes over about 6 courses to everyone at the table.Professional restaurant food- not home cooking.

Be careful with the array of wines-- better to choose one good bottle to enjoy throughout the meal than be overwhelmed by about 5 glasses .I saw one lady with her head in her hands unable to cope.

Check the price of the wines before choosing--champagne can be £ 350 per bottle.

Attention is paid to every tiny detail, perfect service.

http://www.midsummerhouse.co.uk/