London Apartment

Earlier this year we took one of Jerry Hulse’s Reader Recommendations and booked this week at the 202 Apartments (202 Kensington Church St., London W8). Tiled bath with tub and hand shower, fully equipped kitchenette, carpeted living-dining-bedroom with queen bed, and balcony over the busy street. Susie, the manager, told us we’d find everything we needed within 10 minutes’ walk. So far she’s right--bank, grocery, Boots the chemist, Marks & Spencer department store, Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. And the Portobello Road market which booms on Saturdays but is a lot easier Monday-Friday.

We’ve really been using our London Explorer Passes (14 a week, about $10), good on all Underground trains and red buses (including the bus in from Heathrow Airport). Buy it at any Underground station, including Heathrow.

We cooked delicious fresh sole dinner last night and had fresh strawberries and cheesecake. We’re settling in.

JIM and BECKIE WHEELER

Carpinteria