American Women's Club in London (AWC) -- and so it begins . . .
After living here a little over a year, I've joined the AWC. It's an organization for American expats to help serve in the community, make friends, experience the city together and explore. There are about 250 members, innumerable sub-groups based on interests and availability, and oodles of activity options each month, including one monthly group meeting.
* I chose my first ventures with small groups of them -- helping at the soup kitchen sponsored by the American Church and the Ronald McDonald House. They have quite an operation going and are able to assist so many in need on a daily basis. It was wonderful to be some small help there. One of the ladies I served with at the soup kitchen had also lived in Marietta a few years ago. Such a small world! . . . The AWC also provides service opportunities to prepare dinner at the Ronald McDonald House for parents who stay there while their children are receiving medical care at a local hospital and it was a special opportunity to work there, too.
* A new members' meeting introduced about 20 of us to club information and specifics. Interesting to note that gathering consisted of mostly ladies of mid-twenty to mid-thirties. The overall group ages range from 24ish to 70 years of age. All but two of us there that day are in London because our husband's jobs brought us here. Some have babies and a few have children here at the American School.
* It's already fun to compare notes on experiences, share tips and resources, trade activity and restaurant favorites, what we love here and what we miss from home (e.g. someone mentioned Crest toothpaste and we all sighed and then laughed when we realized most of us bring that -- and a suitcase of miscellaneous items -- back to London when we come back here from our U.S. homes. Things like plastic zip lock bags, color catchers for laundry, cereal, big bags of chocolate chips, etc. fill our luggage. Clothes, we can buy in London! haha!).
Here are some of the London field trip spots we've taken in so far:
The Iconic Stafford Hotel
A gorgeous 5-Star Hotel, the Stafford is nestled in the heart of the city's historic St. James area. Every room and suite is individually designed and billed as offering "unrivaled luxury"!
There is a renowned American bar where we chatted with the manager and I sipped my soda. It's full of a collection of artifacts, pictures, knick knacks (like hats from every U.S. university and lots of sports teams), flags, ties, awards and celebrity photos. It's an inviting space -- intimate and cozy feeling -- and chock full of personality!
The wine cellar is over 380 years old and, besides award-winning wine, has quite a history of its own -- which of course was more interesting to me than the wine. It was used as a club for American and Canadian officers and as an air-raid shelter in WWII. It also has a once-secret trap door in the floor which led to St. James' Palace. The king used to travel along the corridor from his palace to the cellar so he could avoid crowds on the street, and meet guests (a lady-friend in particular). There is also a display area of fascinating WWII memorabilia tucked away in the cellar; the larger room is used for private dinners and parties now.
A private courtyard, luxurious but comfy decor, a warm and welcoming staff and all its appointments make this a treat of a place to relax!
Photo credit for top left picture of hotel and car: The Stafford Brochure
Ooo La La! The Shangri-La Hotel/Shard
WOW! Stunning 360 degree views from this 95-story skyscraper are breathtaking! The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and 4th tallest in Europe. Its 72nd floor viewing platform is an open-air observation deck and you can feel the wind and hear it "sing" through the tip-top-almost-touch-the-sky opening. It's one of our favorite London landmarks!
The Shangri-La Hotel has taken over the 34-52 floors and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant restaurants and lounges, an infinity pool and even a few condominiums. Amazingly posh!
Photo credit: Shangri-La Hotel Website
Temple Place (a.k.a. Astor Mansion)
Built in 1895 for the first Viscount Astor, William Waldorf, as an estate office, Two Temple Place is now used for private events, weddings, conferences, and to host special exhibits and the works of burgeoning artists. We got to explore it as "special friends" for the day and I was quite taken with the lovely details from top to bottom which reflected Astor's personality and interests so well.
Astor had emigrated to England in 1891 as arguably the richest man in the world and he spared no expense in working on this lovely home. It features gold plated sculptures, marble floors, beautiful stained glass, elaborately carved wood (with characters from The Three Musketeers) and beautiful murals depicting scenes from his favorite books. An Egyptian exhibition was on display the day we attended. One of my favorite pieces though was a little taste of Southern charm and home -- a bouquet of cotton bolls! Astor's wife, Nancy, was from the southern U.S. and it must have been a hug from home for her, too!
Author! Author! . . . Royal Thames Yacht Club for an Author Chat
Best-selling author, Flora Fraser, regaled our AWC group with stories of how her recent "George & Martha Washington" book came to be. Her delightful wit and warm personality, as well as her intriguing tales, drew me in and I've found the book is a fantastic read and English nod to two amazing American patriots and leaders.
Author's pic credit: Alamy Stock Shot
Sold! at Christie's Auction House (Preview)
A pre-auction wander found us exploring a huge collection of art and furniture from the home of singer, Sting, and wife Trudie Styler at Christie's Auction House. One of the most impressive collections were the dozens of works by Matisse!
Also, we felt a little James-Bond-esque as we got a sneak peek at the tricked-out, sleek and elegant Aston Martin driven in his latest movie, Spectre. The formal auction had been held the night before and the car had sold for over 1 million pounds! We got to eye and pose with it right before it was taken away to its new owner. I don't get that excited about cars, but this one was REALLY something to see! Thanks, nice security guard! ;)
Photo credit for sign and building front: Christie's Website
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