My Turn

Yep, it was my turn to turn 40.  Thankfully Beth paved the way for me a few weeks ago and helped ease me into this new phase of my life. 

Where do I start?  How about some ice-skating? Beth surprised me with some ice skating at the very picturesque Somerset House.  Somerset House is a major arts and cultural center in the heart of London.  In the winter they turn it into a big ice rink.

 

The last time I went ice skating was with my sister at a pond somewhere back home when I was 11 years old.  I remember skating while debating the true meaning behind the lyrics to the Pointer Sister’s smash hit Neutron Dance.   Fast forward 29 years and the only debate I was having was deciding on the best way to fall without breaking any bones.  I cannot say my skating skills have improved with age, although, I am happy to say that I survived without any broken bones.

Look, no hands...

 

Beth is holding me up in the next picture.

 

After hours of figure-eights and triple-lindys (OK, 45 minutes of pure terror) I happily ditched the skates and retreated to more stable ground to enjoy some good tidings of comfort and joy - champagne and chocolate.  Delicious.

 

After checking into our boutique hotel in London’s SoHo district we dined at Kettners.  Kettner’s was first opened by Napoleon’s personal chef (long since retired).  Popular with deliciously colourful characters of the time including Oscar Wilde, Edward VII, Lillie Langtry, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby, Kettner’s was renowned for hosting incredibly risqué parties.  Unfortunately we didn't bump into any of these people but still had a fantastic dinner. 

Following dinner we saw the musical The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre (from the creators of South Park and winner of 9 Tony awards, including Best Musical in 2012). A hilarious must-see but not for the faint of heart.

 

 

After the show we walked around a bit and enjoyed London's Christmas scene. Here is Piccadilly Circus with its famous Shaftesbury Memorial fountain turned into a snow globe.  I am sure that the good Lord Shaftsbury is rolling over in his grave...

 

 

After working up quite a thirst we enjoyed a couple of pints at a local pub and then went back to the hotel to take selfies (before Barack Obama and David Cameron made selfie-taking all the rage at Nelson Mandela's funeral)

Grrr....we're 40!

 

My other hand is making a zero.

 

Sunday we returned home where I enjoyed a delicious cake personally baked and decorated by Oliver and Henry.

 

 

 

 

And for a present the boys bought me a new scarf and hat (they like a certain style of hat...)

 

 

Thank you Beth for a wonderful 40th birthday celebration.  I love you more and more each year.  Here's to 40 more - just no ice skating on my 80th!

 

Cheerio,

Mark