It's Tea Time!

I have long been a fan of Tea Time. Even as a kid I remember often preparing tea for my Mom and Aunts on lazy afternoons.

I am not sure if it's old tradition, the high level etiquette and civility, the excuse to get dressed up or the plethora of tiny, tiny sandwiches that I love, but it's definitely a past time that still gets me quite excited.

Few would argue the highest form of high tea can only be had in London. Just thinking of English High Tea makes me want to get up and curtsy.

In fact a vivid image of Queen Elizabeth comes to mind. She is elegantly reposed in Buckingham Palace wearing her crown and long white gloves and sipping a fancy cup of Early Grey tea. Her Majesty's prized corgis have fallen fast asleep in front of the roaring fire after enjoying their feast of caviar (I have an active imagination in case you can't tell).

Anyway, Global Grasshopper has compiled a list of the Ten Best places to have afternoon tea in London.

Click here to check it out!

By Jayabird: Buckingham Palace

And what is that served with.....?

A restaurant in London promotes its " Spicy, Sexy Chicken.".

London on my Mind

I studied abroad in London with Boston University several years ago. During my stay I livedin South Kensington on Manson Place. It is a totally swank neighborhood. In fact, I remember a staff member telling us at orientation that should we ever return to London the chances of us living in South Kensington were slim to none. Considering Hugh Grant and Madonna had (and I think still do) homes a stones throw from Manson Place I wasn't all that shocked by her statement.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Things that make you go hmmm. In England, EMAs pay kids from poorer familes to continue their education after 16. Ideally the payment is to help with transportation and other related costs.

At face value as an American this seems nuts.... but after reading more about it there is some sense in it... though I am still not fully on board. The program is set to be about to be scrapped and their is a bit of uproar here. Thoughts?

Click here to read more.

Last Stop: London

I am spending a few days in London before heading back home. Took in a show -- "Billy Elliot, The Musical," doing a little sightseeing and enjoying some fish and chips.