Saturday, May 9 – London
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Harrison and PK! Our twin grandsons from Connie and Todd are 32 today. Their three small great-grand boys light up our life, and another boy is on the way (or another is in the “hangar,” as we say). Both grandsons are well into their careers at Duncan Aviation. We are so very proud.
Our airline departure from Lincoln on Friday was difficult. It seems there is a new requirement for a visa to visit either the UK or Canada that no one knew about, including the agent checking us in at Lincoln. An hour-plus later and with Tessa’s help, we had our electronic visas. The bad news is that we missed our Lincoln to Chicago flight; the good news is that the early morning flight out of Lincoln was delayed more than four hours, and we caught it, enabling us to still make our connecting flight to London. Thanks to Merrill Peterson, we were made aware of the United “Polaris Lounge” in the C concourse in Chicago. Things are looking up.
The hotel in London arranged for a beautiful BMW with driver to pick us up, and there was even a room ready for us around 8 in the morning. We love the Hamyard Hotel! We have stayed here several times, as well as at their sister hotels in NYC. Founded and owned by Kit and Tim Kemp, they are known for the unusual eclectic design. Each room has a huge glass exterior wall. I will write the owners a note to try to meet – we share that “family business” thing.
Our first lunch is at Cipriani, a favorite. Karen always orders the Dover Sole with Asparagus. Next, we decide to walk and shop. Karen demonstrated her strength to walk last week during an afternoon stroll on NYC’s Madison Ave. Many of the shops seem to be unique before arriving at the major street in Mayfair. We stop at Dior to check on the special “art” purse designed by artist, friend, and Nebraska native Sheila Hicks. Alas, our order has yet to arrive. We find the Yamamoto store we had spotted on our way to lunch. This incredible Japanese designer has been known to us for many years. I find a black shirt that is permanently wrinkled. They even show it misbuttoned, which looks worth a try.
Beautiful and unusual automobiles abound in central London. From tiny electrics to outrageously painted Lamborghinis to a most unusual Rolls Royce paint scheme. It is very obvious that this area of London is very affluent.
Dinner is a short cab ride to “Goodman” in Mayfair, another great experience. It turns out to be a relaxed, friendly experience. The top of the chalkboard menu features “USDA Prime – NEBRASKA, Cornfed” beef. Sure enough, the meat is from Greater Omaha Packing and our friend Henry Davis. Everything is delicious. We order Passion Fruit sorbet – almost as good as we have in Puerto Vallarta.
A very fine and relaxed Day 1.
Robert
England 2026 
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