Princess Diaries

Dear diary

Today was incredible. I woke early and was so excited because it was the wedding day. Although I had been planning this occasion for months it was hard to believe the day was finally here. After a long bath I took extra care getting ready. I already had planned on my outfit but was still anxious that I would look alright. My ride was right on time and as we were headed out I couldn't believe the crowds. Everyone said there would be throngs but nothing can prepare you for the sheer joy of it all. My driver was quite adept at managing his way through the streets. I don't know if it was because of my smile or the royal flags but everyone was taking hundreds of pictures as we wound our way toward the Abbey. One journalist even tried to hitch a ride with us. Cheeky lass! My smile never faded and the skies never shed a drop! Will was so handsome and Harry was on his best behavior. The ride to the Palace was probably one of my favorite moments. And the kiss!

Many people don't believe that dreams can come true and many don't see all the goodness and love that surrounds them. Today my dream came true in being just a small part of this big world. Anyone can be a queen for a day if you just believe.

Good night and God bless us all!

Lady Cynthia

I am a virgin VIRGIN!

One of the most exciting things about my upcoming Royal Wedding trip is the fact that I will be flying Virgin Atlantic to London!  My frequent flyer friends tell me that this is the only way to go and I am looking forward to 7 plus hours of blue skies and bliss.

Reading the web-site description makes flying sound like fun.  I can't choose between 20 movies at home and I certainly don't control my own remote.  And although my car's GPS finds a way to get me where I am going, it certainly does list my air speed nor does it have a radar control (as I unfortunately found out on a recent highway excursion).

My real hope was to score a guest pass for the "Club Room" in Dulles as well as Heathrow.  The glowing accounts of the Londson establishment makes my 4 star hotel sound dull.  A salon, hut tub, shoe polish, made-to-order sandwiches, massage and much more!  

Of course, flying first class is always an option -  if you don't have kids to put through college.  Or should I call it Upper Class.   I can't imagine being able to pay the toll for that although those seats/beds do look rather comfy.  Free peanuts and pretzels may be my best best - which is more than I got the first time I lost my virginity!  

In for a Penny - In for a Pound

As the plans for the trip across the pond begin to take shape, it has become more evident that I am venturing from my homeland into a land unknown; we are talking currency conversion here.  And although I just attempted to download an app for it on my iPad (but it was going to require reading the new "Terms and Conditions" which total 36 pages) I decided to forgo the research and blog ahead.


So, earlier this week I questioned 2 charges on my AmEx that were an integral part of my pre-planning.  Although it would be be a great story to say that my life-long dream has been to venture to England and that as the youngest of 23 children, abandoned at birth and scrambling my whole life to save my pennies for a trip to find my birth parents (a WWII vet and retired English nurse that met in the hospital as he was recovering from the Blitz) that would be what we Americans call bullsh***t (or Reality TV); the real story is that the morning the Royal Wedding date was announced I was playing on my iPad while watching the telly in the lounge and, on a lark, I booked a hotel room in London within minutes of the announcement.  It sounded like fun - a girls weekend (or hen party) not at the sea BUT across the sea.  Unfortunately, most of the roosters would not allow a hen party so Mary (more about her later)and I decided to forge ahead.  I know, what does all this have to do with currency conversion?  Patience please!


The Terms and Conditions for the hotel (4-5 star rated, depending on your resource) stated a one-night non-refundable deposit and no cancellation policy.  I could accept all those terms easily since I had not talked to my rooster at this point and, at the most, I would be out $215 or a lot of Pounds.  


The venture begin to take a life of its own - with Christmas and my birthday both in December the trip became a reality (along with Kayak alerts on a great fare for Virgin Atlantic) as my gifts all came with a British flair (anybody want to buy one of 16 copies of Fodor's London 2011 that I received?).  


What I didn't expect was the surprise that came with my AmEx bill with a bill for $1100 for the hotel.  I called AmEx and they would happily dispute the claim which I feared would result in me being booted from my room at the inn, which could now sell for quite a few more pounds than my original reservation.  Instead I opted to inquire at the hotel direct, via email.  Today, they responded "I would like to thank you for highlighting the MISLEADING detail in your confirmation; we have taken action to rectify this in order to avoid confusion."  They further confirmed that I have been charged for 744GBP for three night's room and tax.  Hmmmm....sounds like the only action taken was responding to my email; which in today's world is known as outstanding customer service.


I mean, doesn't the conversion rate fluctuate wildly?  At what rate on what date was my American Express charged?   (I bet those Terms and Conditions would be fun to read!)  Today $1100 = 681GBP.  


And, let's not even get started on the confusion for my tickets to Les Mis which were also on the same bill - two times!  


I guess there is a reason they call us "foreigners" but all those waiting for my arrival (and to date, no one has indicated that they are) please take heart, I plan to read those 36 pages of Terms and Conditions before I arrive and download the currency conversion App.  After all, I'm in for a penny or for a pound!


Cheerio.

The Tale of the Titular Title - A Noble Gift

With the royal wedding rapidly approaching and reviewing the deep desire to be invited to the wedding festivities, it is time for me to seriously consider my standing.  Although Mrs. may confer a modicum of respect from my sons' friends and my age causes some to question "Will you be using your senior discount, MA'AM" I have to ponder what a true title might bring my way.


Much to my amazement, I have found that royalty is just $197 away!  Yes, you heard me right.  There actually exists a website that sells royal titles:  http://www.regaltitles.com/

 I can easily become a Lady, a Baroness, a Duchess or a Dame (I think Dame sounds quite old - don't you).  And, being the lucky lady (without a capitol L) that I am, if I order today there are FREE bonuses including (a) An Essential Guide to Business Etiquette and (b) Personalized Coat-of-Arms for My Family name.  


Hmmm.   The purchase of the title is said to guarantee a long laundry list,  including:

• Discounts in the consumer world (Big Gulp at 7-11?)
• Prestige in the Financial World (Free ATM fees?)
• A Boost to your Personal Confidence (Like I need that?)
• Opened Doors in Your Career (Leading to the exit?)

My realistic goals would be 

•  to get my seat assignment from Virgin Air - can't access via their web site and not getting a response from SIR Richard  
•  after getting seat assignment, get upgraded to first class 
•  get free hotel upgrade in London and complimentary afternoon tea.  

Methinks I shall save my pennies and pounds for the airplane headset, pillow and blanket!  After all beggars can be baronesses (or can't they?)