I had the opportunity in 2006 to travel to England for CF recruiting business. The trip only lasted 4 days but the last 24 hours were what planted the seed for me to return with my family. I stayed in London's Millennium hotel located in Grosvenor Squared between the US Embassy and the Canadian Consulate. If the name Millennium hotel rings any bell, it's because two months after I stayed there, a Russian spy was poisoned in the bar of the hotel and it made international news. As a matter of fact, I had a very good glass of Scotch in that bar.
Getting back to my story, my team and I came back to London around mid-afternoon and we had until the next day at noon to spend in the city before we had to make our way to the airport. I walked like I'd never walked before trying to see as much of the city as I could and absorb the views, smells and rich history this city has accumulated over centuries. I'm somewhat of a closet history and geography buff and to me that short time in London was magical. I kept picturing what it went through over the years and how it became this European hub isolated from the main land. During the work week, there are up to 13 million people that buzz around London. It is fascinating to see a city with such a large number of historical buildings, and no "New York" style sky scrappers able to accommodate such a population.
I'm not a Monarchist and I truly believe that we are an independent nation and have very little use for a monarchy in our government however, I'm a realist and I know where our ancestors and our cultures come from. Both France and England had a monarchy and I find the concept very interesting from a historical point of view. Seeing the Buckingham palace and the various houses used by the Royal family you can't help but feel a little in awe of the power that these people had centuries ago. I enjoy the pageantry of Royal London and the long and very rich history of the Windsor family and all the Kings and Queens that ruled before them. I believe that it is important to keep this history alive for as long as we can because once it (the Royal family) is dissolved and no longer part of British government, the city of London will loose all its appeal to the rest of the world.
Our trip to London is booked for this summer and I cannot wait to see the look in the girls eyes when they actually walk where so many famous people lived their lives and died peacefully, from a battle or a bombing or as simple victims of a ruthless King. You can bet that I will be posting everyday (if I have access) about our adventure.
Cheerio!
Chuck
