Divino Grill, Washington DC

Our first meal in Washington DC after we arrived on 30th July was at the Divino Grill on 17th Street. Excellent service and superb food. Whilst much of the menu was fish based, there was some meat as well. Definitely work a visit if you are in the area.

Take the bus from Dulles Airport

There are various ways to get from Dulles International Airport to Washington DC. We decided to opt for the cheapest - and in my humble opinion the best - form of transport available. Outside the front of the airport terminal, bus service 5A takes passengers into the heart of Washington. It cost only 6 dollars. And whilst the traffic on the roads was barely moving, the bus zipped past on the hard shoulder, getting us to Washington far quicker than any taxi could have achieved.

Flying Virgin

Our trip to the USA was upon us. For me, it's my 3rd visit to the States but my first outside New York. It was also the first time I have flown with Virgin. I had no complaints about the 7 hour flight which passed without incident. I can't say the same about Terminal 3 at Heathrow. We arrived at 9.30am with plenty of time to spare at HR but the queues at the luggage check-in were barely moving. Our flight was at 11am but at 10.20am we were still in the check-in queue. By then, the check in desk was no longer taking luggage which instead had to be deposited in a corner of the terminal. We also had to dash through security and across Terminal 3 to get to the gate on time as boarding was at 10.30am. We were just in time.

Leonardo Hotel in West Drayton

The Leonardo was our hotel of choice for the overnight stay near Heathrow. It exists because of Heathrow on the other side of the road. Its triple glazed windows ensured the noise of aircraft landing and taking off could not be heard.



Our room was comfortable enough and served its purpose well. But the Leonardo looked very much like any other hotel belonging to big chains of hotels. Comfortable, clean and nothing outstandingly good or bad.



Except for the bottle of wine from the hotel bar. Terrifically expensive and not very good. My advice - find a local off-license and for a fraction of the price, buy a bottle and take it back to your room.

Looking for something to do in West Drayton no. 2: Il Basilica

Having spent most of an hour in the Three Magpies pub, we decided that a useful way to while away some time in West Drayton was by looking for somewhere to eat. We found Il Basilica on Sipson Road, just minutes from our hotel (The Leonardo).





It turned out to be quite a useful find. Though somewhat spartan in its decor, the portions served up were quite generous, and good quality. And the charge was less than could be expected in a London establishment.

Looking for something to do in West Drayton no. 1: The Three Magpies

At the end of July we headed off to the USA for a two week visit. It meant a flight from Heathrow. We were flying on the 30th and had booked a hotel - the Leonardo - for the evening of 29th July. We made the mistake of getting to West Drayton, home to Heathrow and the Leonarda, far too early. Looking for something to do was a major challenge. We eventually found the Three Magpies Pub.



A reasonably pleasant and relaxed pub without being too expensive. It helped use up an hour in West Drayton.

Hisar Meze Bar in Orpington

I wouldn't normally go out of my way to visit Orpington. Indeed, as far as I can recall, I had never been to Orpington at all. That was until last month. I was invited to attend a dinner at a Turkish restaurant called the Hisar Meze Bar on Orpington High Street. The event was a fundraiser for a head injuries charity.



A reasonable quality meal though I can't comment on the prices as the tickets were a charity fundraiser.