July 19 - Success and on to the summer palace

All gathered to leave the Hotel at 9:15. Dressed in our best we were ready to brave the tube, hoping for Friday light traffic - which would mean less crowds and less heat, our hopes were dashed at the Bank tube station where the tube was overflowing with humanity. We managed to push our way on making it to our destination on time, albeit sweaty. The waiting refreshments and biscuits (cookies) were much appreciated.

Our presentation was pushed back, while we waited for a member of Buro Happold's team whose train was delayed. At 11 AM the students presented to 5 members of Buro's extended team. It went very well and the client was pleased. After the formal part of our morning was over, Buro provided pizza, fruit, and more beverages for lunch.

We made our way back to our hotel to change into comfy clothes so we could head out to Hampton Palace. To get there we had to travel to the Waterloo tube stop and train station, buy our train tickets, catch our train to Hampton, on the way some took a much needed nap in the gently rocking car.

Hampton Palace is a gorgeous place to visit. The grounds and buildings are impressive and were a great break after a long week of primarily working inside.

The rest of the evening and weekend was open for the students to explore and have fun. On Monday I will give a larger report on where all folks went and what they saw. On Friday evening some returned to London anxious to try the restaurant FIFTEEN located very close to our hotel. If any of you watch Food TV, then you will have heard of Jamie Oliver, and FIFTEEN is one of his eateries in London. You order from the daily menu tapas style where everyone at the table orders several small plates and then all share in the vast taste experience. Only two dishes are shown here, the light was to low to take pictures that would do it justice. The food was phenomenal, the prices reasonable, the service excellent. Many thanks to Caroline our server, who made a great meal even better. We will return before we leave.