Flying Above The Thames and Posh Hot Chocolate

With our trip to Central America already a distant memory, we were in need of a local adventure.  So on a dreary Saturday afternoon in February we set off to North East London to fly the Emirates Aviation Experience – aka Cable Car, across the Thames.

View from Excel side of Thames

We started off at the Excel end where there is a lovely view across the Thames of the O2 Dome and the cable cars. We could see the cable cars peacefully sailing high above the Thames, they looked so tranquil and inviting.  The queue was short from this end and better still as there were only the 2 of us we were fast tracked to the front of the queue and before we knew it we were aboard a cable car together with some fellow passengers.   

Just about to board

As we left the cable car station, I could see the car in front rocking and it suddenly dawned on me that today was rather a windy day so we might be in for a rocky ride.  What I didn't realise was quite so high up and vulnerable I would feel and only so slightly TERRIFIED. 

John looked happy

Eva didn't look so happy

Granted the view below was stunning of the River Thames, Dome and City Airport Runway amongst other sights.  I was just beginning to relax until we seemed to stop at the top for rather too long.  The other people in our car who had been on it before said “oh we have never stopped before and right at the top too – how about that! Oh and it is rocking now too!”  Hmm, just what I wanted to hear!  However, after a few minutes we were on our way again and now descending quite rapidly into North Greenwich.  The crossing is just 10 minutes and the views are worthwhile.  I would definitely recommend boarding at the Excel side as the queues are about half the length as most people seem to board at Greenwich and do the return trip. 

View from cable car

We had a quick look around the Dome.  We remembered coming here when it first opened to see the amazing exhibitions and aerial shows.  Now the building itself is more interesting on the outside than the inside which is full of the normal range of chain restaurants.  It is probably ok if going to see a show but nothing much to see inside otherwise.

London O2 Dome

On our return to the Excel side we spotted a rather posh looking Hotel Yacht.  It looked warm and inviting inside so we ventured in.  The décor was beautiful with a very elegant entrance and stairwell and art deco style interior.  We discovered this is a 4 star deluxe Yacht Hotel called the Sunborn.   

Sunborn Yacht Hotel

Entrance Hall

We sat in the bar/café and in need of some warming up I ordered a Hot Chocolate.  I was somewhat surprised when a cup arrived containing a cube of chocolate on a stick. I was politely advised to pour in the hot milk and watch the chocolate cube melt away. Despite being the most expensive cup of hot chocolate I had had for some time, it was delicious and felt very decedent sitting on this beautiful yacht, admiring the view of the Thames and relieved that my feet were now safely back on the ground.  

Yummy Hot Chocolate