The XtraSuitcase

D was asked to speak at a conference in London on Tuesday, February 2.

 

How quintessentially British (and cute!) is this doorman?

We had to stop by and visit our favorite Londoners – Dave and Allison for the weekend.  It was the Super Bowl weekend, a perfect time to visit since the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl!  As everyone knows, the Steelers BEAT the Ravens in the playoffs. 

Dave and Allison are HUGE Ravens fans.    Since we were going to be together for the Super Bowl we made a bet prior to that playoff game.  Who ever's team won the playoffs and advanced to the SB, the losing couple had to wear the winner's team logo gear all day on Super Bowl Sunday.  Did I mention Dave and Allison are HUGE Raven's fans and they particularly dislike the Steelers?

 

We arrived to find Arizona logos throughout the house NOT Steelers – where is the love?

 

We didn't care….they had to wear our Steelers Shirts!  A big shout out to Don SR who mailed us two Steelers jerseys from his private collection as we did not have anything here.  Thanks Don!

Well……At first Dave refused to wear the Steelers gear (note his "I'm getting sick look")

 

as soon as he put it on…here is what happened……..

 

Don't worry Don, we made sure nothing got on the shirt.

Allison & Emma were good sports.  Look how good (and comfortable) Allison looks in our colors!

 

After Dave cried in Allison's arms, she consoled him…..

  

and I gave him some Steelers cheers…..

he then gave in and gave us a BIG smile (sort of).

 

We hit the Boar's Head pub for lunch Sunday afternoon.

 

And a BET IS A BET – they had to wear the Steeler's gear to the pub.  Friends of D&A – did you EVER think you would see this photo?   

 

okay so that wasn't the real photo…….but we will have him converted by the end of the night!

 

We enjoyed the traditional pub food, fish and chips with mushy peas. 

   

and cottage pie sometimes called steak and ale pie. 

Similar to what we call Shepard's pie.  All was very yummy.

 

but the beer?  D is not convinced of the British beer, too weak and warm.  He likes his Belgium beer!

As we left the pub, the snow started.  We headed back to the house to prepare for the Super Bowl…….only 10 hours away!  Remember – England is a 5 hour difference from the US, so the game did not start until 11:30 PM ending at 4 AM!

D had to have his game wings – they bring the Steelers luck you know.  Allison, being the gracious hostess that she is, made the famous Pittsburgh Primanti Brothers sandwich with french fries, coleslaw and more to help bring in the Steelers spirit.  And we had Chex mix thanks to Aunt Martha!

 

Yes, we all made it to 4 am to see that incredible catch!  What a game!  D's joy that his boys brought home one for the other thumb!

 

Tessa even woke up for a cheer.

One last photo at 4 am!  Even in the wee hours Dave remembered to cover up the Logo.   And then something happened…..

 

I call this Dave's Happy moment…when he converted to being a Steelers fan.  Quote from Dave, " man, that was one incredible catch – I can see why they truly are the Best.  I am even going to join their fan club!" 

With the "big" snow, there were no trains running within the city or into the city so we had to stay another day with D&A.  Dave took off work and we had a fun day playing.  We took a long walk in the morning.  The boys had fun building their snow friend (we were not sure exactly what it was).

 

  There is a beautiful old cemetery near the town center.

 

D & D were inspired to create the RIP snowman…..our creative husbands  :  )

 

One thing we do not get in Brussels in grilled food.  Dave was so sweet to grill dinner in the snow!

 

We had to get a very early start the next day for London to get D to his conference on time.  He got there at 10:30 and he spoke at 11:00.

I had a lovey day shopping the first day and then a fun visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum the next day. 

D had fun too!

Colorful Chinatown

With the driver on the lefthand side, traffic runs opposite for us.   Thank goodness for the constant reminders on the ground at all crosswalks.

 

We had some really good food as always, but this one - Polish & Mexican?  We'll have to try this combo on our next visit.

and my favorite London icon – the red telephone booths.

 

We love London!