How does the Visa advert go? $$ for plane ticket, lotsa £££ for 5* hotel, ££ for great lunches and theatre, a few £ for iconic black cabs, a week in London with some fabulous gal pals, priceless!!!
The start to another epic Delisa and Pam adventure with a larger than life welcome. Now you know that just means trouble when we have no adult supervision and we're set loose in London! It was home sweet home Heathrow. You think that odd, but I've got an 11 year old kid who can negotiate the coffee shops, duty free and security drill at all the terminals. We like to think of Heathrow as the "Air" in "bnb".First stop, Waitrose, to stock up on some Brit provisions!
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| I can't get the boot closed! We'll have to toss the Marmite! |
Just like old times running with Dave and Rob. Except they don't run up Angina Hill anymore, or over roots and bogs.... just a wee jog along the canal so they can go for breakfast.  |
| Not sure why we used to run in mud when we could have been doing this! |
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| Andrea, Kirsty and Lindita - and we all match! |
I was pleased as punch to be invited as Delisa's +1 for her friend, Sittle's, daughter's wedding. Delisa and I were super excited to share in Sanam and Aman's beautiful wedding.
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| Getting ready for the wedding! |
Having never been to a Sikh wedding before, I was thrilled to be invited to the beautiful and deeply spiritual ceremony.
The bride and groom had thoughtfully explained the ceremony procession with the meaning of the rituals. The Sikh wedding ceremony was explained it is not just about the joining of the couple, but the joining of the families and bringing you closer to God.
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| The lovely Sweena who dressed us and made sure we didn't have any wardrobe malfunctions. |
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| I'm loving this sari - way more comfortable than I imagined. Coveting the ride behind me |
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| The regal groom arrives at the temple |
Sanam was escorted down the aisle to the Guru Granth by her brother and sister. The Laavan are the four prayers sealing the marriage. The bride and groom move clockwise around Guru Granth Sahib as the ragis finish the prayer. The couples bow to the holy book and wait for next verse. During this ceremony the groom is given one end of a palla (scarf) on his shoulder and other end is held by the bride. Each turn around the Guru Granth brings you spiritually closer to God.
After the temple ceremony, the Doli takes place at the bride's home. This is a very emotional moment for the bride and her parents as their daughter is leaving their home to start a new life. There was not a dry eye in the house! Every Sikh wedding ritual is about the spiritual and literal union of the families. I'm sure they certainly feel very married after a week of festivities!
Traditionally the bride sits in a Doli which is lifted by four people. The "four" happen to be white horses!  |
| We're ready to bangra!! |
Whisked off to the Grosvenor House hotel (in a car not by horses), we did an outfit change and were ready to dance ALL night
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| Sweena, Sittle, mother of the bride, and Delisa - all glammed up! |
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| We're getting good at this selfie thing! |
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| The beautiful and talented sister of the bride, Simran, and Delisa |
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| The gorgeous Great Room of the Grosvenor House all decked out |
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| The first dance |
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| The look of love. |
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| Spectacular towering flower arrangements |
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| The food was the best Indian food I've had in London! |
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| We danced, and danced and danced! |
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| These are not glass slippers, but sippers |
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| Time to go home Cinderella. It is way past midnight |
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| I might not be Prince Charming, but I'll have to do. |
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| Cinderella found some other bedfellows... waiting in the room |
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| Four soldiers in bed and one rolled over.. |
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I'm gonna need a big coffee after last night.
They've probably seen stranger than wandering the lobby of the Grosvenor House in a bath robe,
but maybe not scarier
 The good times kept on rolling! Michelle and Lois arrived from Brussels to join us in our excellent adventure. I think Michelle just likes to see how much trouble we can get into.... |
However, she doesn't do much to discourage us from drinking Champagne for breakfast or eating Belgian chocolates in bed!
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| Champagne is medicinal and immune boosting. I stopped drinking a daily glass of it since returning home, and I've had a cold ever since. Anecdotal evidence... just saying |
It isn't London unless you're lunching!
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| How to chose? Let us start with more Champagne |
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| Sarah always chooses the most delicious restaurants! Of course, she has a special sweet spot for Corrigan's as her sweetie, Ross, is the Chef Patron. AND we finally got to meet him! |
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| We're not in Britain unless there is Pimm's involved! |
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| Great laughs at the "School of Rock" production |
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| Must be breakfast... coffee AND Champagne |
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Hey, do I look like I'm having a good time?
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| Never missing a feeding opportunity, I foraged on our walk to the tube |
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| We were dreaming big at the California Wine tasting held in the Westminster Gardens. How Californian of them to not have a rain plan... in London!! |
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| Is this coolest setting for a wine tasting? |
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| No pudding?!!! |
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| Carroll says....I've got my glass... I'm ready! |
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| So you want to taste wine? |
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| First you swirl, sniff |
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| Sip |
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| Now I spit... but we won't show that picture |
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| Let me make sure I get this photo op |
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| There he goes... Steven Spurrier |
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| After stalking Steven Spurrier at many wine tastings, I finally talked to the wine icon |
Only in Britain can you get away with the wry humour... or confounding direction...
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| A little Brit humour. |
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| Made me laugh! |
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| Not sure what this means. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it doesn't seem right |
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| On the Brits leave polite notices rather than menacing threats |
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| Confused? What would the garage be used for if not parking? |
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| I need a translator |
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| After the 1 July pot law is passed, maybe it will just read, Canadian and Stoned? In the meantime, I'd like to think of it as a testament to our Canadian character - very strong and rich in fibre |
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| Time to head home.... |
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| Time to say goodbye, farewell, aufweidersein. I'll be minding the gap from the other side of the pond. |
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