Take me back to April 28 ✈️ Hugo got us business-class seats on Virgin Atlantic to and from London.

Two men smiling and holding champagne glasses while seated at a bar in an airport lounge with warm lighting and a modern design. The background shows other travelers sitting on plush chairs, some with luggage nearby.Entrance to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX, featuring a deep magenta wall with gold lettering and logo, and a glimpse of the sleek interior through the open glass door.Virgin Atlantic aircraft parked at the gate, seen through large terminal windows. The plane's red and green tail fin with the Virgin logo is prominently visible, with other airline tails and airport ground equipment in view.Man reclining and smiling in a lie-flat seat on a Virgin Atlantic flight, bathed in ambient purple lighting. The seat's console, entertainment screen, and personal storage compartments are visible around him.Empty Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seat prepared for boarding, with a leather seat, pillow, and purple mood lighting. The seat is surrounded by storage areas and a folded tray table, emphasizing its spacious and private setup.In-flight menu titled “wakey wakey” held open to reveal post-takeoff meal options including starters, mains, desserts, and cheese selections, all printed in fine text and illuminated by purple cabin lighting.Breakfast tray with chocolate-drizzled pancakes topped with strawberries and hazelnuts on one plate, and a colorful fruit medley on another. Served with coffee, a small pitcher of cream, and a bottle of cold-pressed juice, all arranged neatly on a white tray.In-flight meal of a fresh Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, arugula, pesto, and balsamic glaze, elegantly plated with a glass of white wine beside it. The seat’s entertainment screen shows a flight map with the plane crossing North America.

2025-06-25

On our first full day, we walked through Greenwich Market and stumbled upon the Armada Portrait at the Queen’s House!

Then we walked through Greenwich Park and uphill to the Royal Observatory. We didn’t go inside but it was cool to see the skyline view and straddle the Prime Meridian (for free)!

A person stands with arms raised and smiling while straddling the Prime Meridian line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. The line, marking 0° longitude, is clearly visible underfoot, dividing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The historic stone marker above their head is labeled “Greenwich Meridian.” The individual’s casual outfit and relaxed pose reflect the lighthearted tourist experience.The iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, displayed against a rich red wall and surrounded by a gilded frame. The queen wears an elaborate gown adorned with pearls and embroidery, one hand resting on a globe and the other near a chair. Her attire and posture emphasize power and wealth. Behind her, the backdrop shows scenes of the Spanish Armada’s defeat, underscoring the historic moment.A large sundial sits on a circular stone plaza, casting a sharp triangular shadow across its surface. Surrounded by a small iron fence and reflected sunlight, the scene captures a peaceful corner of Greenwich Park. In the background, trees, water, and strolling visitors add to the tranquil setting under a clear blue sky.A panoramic view from Greenwich Park looking north over the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Naval College, with the Canary Wharf skyline rising in the distance. The wide green lawn below is dotted with people lounging and walking, and the city’s modern skyscrapers contrast with the classical architecture and open landscape in the foreground.A contemporary textile piece displayed in a gallery space with deep red walls and wooden flooring. The artwork reads “FEELING BLUE” in stitched white letters on a mottled blue background, bordered by colorful embroidered patterns resembling sea creatures and coral. Nautical rope and decorative metal elements at the base add a tactile, whimsical touch to the installation.A smiling person poses with both index fingers pointed upward in front of a scenic overlook in Greenwich Park. Behind them, a sweeping view reveals the Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College with the towering skyline of Canary Wharf in the distance. Trees and manicured lawns fill the middle ground under a cloudless sky.A leafy frame of flowering branches and green trees opens onto a partial view of the Old Royal Naval College and the high-rise buildings of Canary Wharf beyond. The image captures a layered contrast between the natural greenery in the foreground and the modern cityscape rising behind classical architecture.A weathered sign on a white background reads “Greenwich Market London Est. 1737 This Way,” adorned with vintage-style typography, scrollwork, a pointing hand, and a black cat peeking from the corner. The sign is mounted in a dark green frame on an exterior wall, hinting at the historic and quirky charm of the nearby market.

2025-06-26