Big Ben chimes and we arrive

It was a deep heavy toll of the bell for ten o'clock that sounded just as Big Ben showed up in the windshield of our transfer Ford taxi.  We are now in the Double Tree hotel very close to the hot tourist spots near the Thames.  A bit sleep derived but still functioning.  Our converter plugs are charging away, Charlotte is trying to arrange the four suitcase in a small room which will probably be bigger than what we have on the cruise so let me relate the bad and good news.

Good news we arrive about an hour early at Heathrow, bad news so did a lot of others lines through customs were about 50 minutes.  Bad news the first two ATM machines did not have any cash and worse news the second on sucked back my BB&T card as I was trying to find the cash.  "please take your cash and your Card" but (if you are not quick we got you)
So a three week trip without the authorized bank credit card I had set up is a challenge.  The good news is that I went to a manned American Express money exchange and asked if I could get a cash advance on my Amex card and I could so I have some British pounds the exchange rate is such that the 5 lb note I gave as a tip is actually $7.81.  Bad news again when we finally got through the crowd at the front desk the clerk told us our reservation had been cancelled.  Actually we booked last October and paid in full in July for this hotel.  The good news she suggested we retire to the upstairs bar for a complimentary drink.  Will tell you I have lost track of the number of alcoholic drinks I have had since I slept....the bloody mary was quite good but Charlotte demurred and had coffee.

Good news when we returned voila a room was ready number 920 overlooking an active construction site for probably another hotel.  Our driver told us there are 3000 hotels in central London so certainly room for more based on the number of American Tourists in this hotel's lobby.

So it is now time to explore while we wait for the second half of the tour Marlene and Lyle who should be here about 1 but staying at a different hotel .4 of a mile (or may km) away.
Think may a quick shower and a quick walk In the light rain may keep us upright for a few more hours...