I’ve had a wonderful response to my newsletter requesting assistance of where to eat and what to do in Europe. In London readers have suggested Bbar, Skalini, Assagi, Zuma, Hakkasan, barra fina, Le Gavroche and Sketch. In Paris, l’Ami Louis, Ma Bargoune and Chez Benoit with the promise of more to come. I tried to book for Pierre Gagnaire in Paris but they’re closed while we’re there.
I’m very impressed with the folk at Red Carnation Hotels. To date they’re the only ones who’ve sent me Guest Preference forms. I like having the choice – and they’ve allowed me a selection of pillow and duvet fillings that will meet an allergic’s most exacting needs. I declined the option of a yoga mat and pilates DVD but have elected to have an iPod docking station in my room and asked for an XXL gown. I often travel with my own gown as I hate tiny ones that make me look like I’ve been for X-rays. Gven our one-bag-each policy I’m only taking real necessities. I may even leave my Penhaligons Travel slippers!
I never thought I’d get so excited about luggage but last night I played with the Four wheeler F’lite hard case from Samsonite. It’s the first case that I’ve had with latches rather than zips and now that I’ve got the hang of opening and shutting them, I think I prefer it to a zip. Thing is, even with a zip (if you’ve got one of those clam-shell cases) you have to open them entirely which means you can’t open it a bit and pull something easily out. They even provide transfer letters with which to brand the luggage. It reminded me of those school projects where we used Letraset to write the headings. It didn’t work out as well as I hoped and it looks like I had the hiccups while pasting them down.
Hey BB - I'd have helped you with the letraset - perhaps we can repair your "hiccuped" ones on your return. Hope you and JP are having a FAB time - miss you madly. Mwa N