As I leave London after a magical week, I am happy to have been there, but happy to be back home.
Flying the six-and-a-half hours to London is easy because I took a non-stop flight in the evening and arrived in the morning. I had slept on the flight and felt full of energy and was happy to arrive at the The Cavendish London Hotel in Piccadilly, a neighborhood with many museums and art galleries and just a short taxi ride away from the famed Harrods in Knightsbridge.
Harrods, the world renowned and remarkably designed 1.1 million-square-foot department store, is owned now by the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, but was first opened by Charles Henry Harrod in 1824.
A doorman opened the doors into what I felt was a palace. I marveled at the site of the massive store that has over 330 departments featuring every luxury brand in the world, plus a Food Court! What a wonderland!
I wanted to sample the oysters at the Oyster Bar, so I navigated myself through dozens of perfume and cosmetic departments to find the Food Court. It wasn’t a problem, thanks to the many overhead signs that efficiently and effectively directed me, as well as asking the many staff on the floor.
Suddenly, from the bright lights of the fragrance and cosmetic departments, I stepped into the dimly lit Food Court. I wanted to go to the Oyster Bar, but I couldn’t help but stop and stare at the stunningly laid out endless glass-enclosed displays of cheese, meats, fish and cakes. But I resisted buying anything and found my way to the Dining Area, where I was escorted to a bar stool and ordered a triplex of caviar, Foie gras and oysters. Delicious!
I then focused on my true mission to find a pair of shoes for my Royal Ascot outfit that was made for me by my trusty dressmaker Shahin.
The escalator brought me to the Shoe Department floor and I was immediately overwhelmed. Every designer brand was a separate boutique. But when I found a pair I liked, there was an endless wait because the stockrooms are remotely located. Very remote! But I did find the perfect shoes!
With each passing hour, I felt the excitement of the approaching Royal Ascot, the reason for my visit. My friend Ted Vassilev had invited me to attend.
On the day of the races, I got up early and had a buffet breakfast at my hotel. Then, at 10 a.m., with great anticipation, we began the hour-and-a-half drive to Astor, where the horse races are held. The racetrack was first built in 1711 and racing there has been a British tradition ever since.
On the drive out of London, I enjoyed seeing the countryside and then the stately brick homes in Astor.
Our driver dropped us off at the West Gate to meet Ted’s friends, who guided us to the Royal Enclosure where we had lunch and watched the races.
I was delighted to see that we were overlooking the track; after all, this was a horse racing event, but for me, it was all about watching the wonderfully dressed women and the men in high hats and cutaways — so British! This is what I came for and, to my delight, it lived up to all my expectations!
The greatest fun was to see the King and Queen arrive in their carriage procession to watch the races a short distance away from our box.
The five-course lunch was served between the races throughout the afternoon. It seemed after each race, there was another course! But one thing was constant — champagne was served all day!
In our dining room enclosure, a woman circulated throughout the event to take our bets and there was also a “handicapper” who recommended which horses she believed were well positioned that day to win.
I bet on each race, but I’m a coward and went for “show” bets. But it worked out well, as I won a few, while many around the table bet to “win” and lost! I’m a believer in the “slow, but sure” philosophy in life, business and betting!
One highly regarded horse, Gregory, was such a favorite in the last race that we all won our bets — with some making more than others, having bet big on the winner! All eight of us at the elegant table ended the day as winners. But for me, I was a winner just by being at the Royal Ascot races!
Make sure to stay tuned for next week’s column, where I will write all about the rest of my time in historic London!
