From Munich to London: Work and Play Combined

Upon returning from Munich with Rosa, I had a quick turnaround. While Munich was a “real” holiday, there were informal business connections—as always, being in the travel industry means I’m on the lookout for future client options, even during vacation. So, off I went again, this time solo to London, where yes, there was definitely a business element.

​One thing that helps me better understand my clients and arrange their travels as a true travel professional is attending travel trade shows throughout the year. This trip brought me to BIM (Britain, Ireland Marketplace), where I met potential business partners and reconnected with existing ones to strengthen those relationships. It was also my first return to the UK since last fall, when I had to cancel a trip due to vertigo—I was really happy to enjoy a bit of London again.

🍽️ London Bites: The Golden Chippy & More
My appetite for British classics was well satisfied. Fish & chips featured prominently, especially at a place called the Golden Chippy—a humble hole-in-the-wall tucked away in Greenwich, just a quick walk from my hotel. I also savored a classic Turkish kebab and other tasty treats, but the real highlight was yet to come.

🎭 Time Travel in the West End: Back to the Future, The Musical
Thursday night took me back in time—literally—with a show in London’s West End: “Back to the Future, The Musical.” Originally planned for my canceled trip last November, I was thrilled to finally see it. The special effects were amazing, and while some plot elements differed from the movie, it stayed true to the original's spirit.

As a bit of a purist, I was blown away by the whole production. The actor playing Marty McFly sang beautifully and even looked uncannily like Michael J. Fox. But the standout for me was Donald Fullilove, who reprised his role as Goldie Wilson—the busboy who later becomes mayor. His singing, dancing, and acting were simply outstanding.

Note that the show runs only until April 12th this year, so if you’re in London and a “Back to the Future” fan like me, don’t miss securing tickets. I can help you with that! The emotional highs and lows even brought a tear to my eye. It was my first West End musical, but I know it won’t be my last. Since I visit London several times a year for conferences and conventions, watch for future blog posts on these fascinating destinations.

---

🇬🇧 Discovering Coventry: A Journey into History
While the musical was a highlight, I always aim to include exploration in every business trip—finding places I haven’t yet visited in a country I love. The UK has many spots on my list, from major cities like Manchester and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, and even northern coasts where I watch puffins in season. This trip added another: Coventry.

For those who didn’t see it last week, here’s a link to my previous blog post about my reflective weekend in Munich and Nuremberg, which includes some rich WWII history

Last Week's Post

If you’re unfamiliar, Coventry has deep WWII connections—especially due to the Blitz—and was a hub of wartime industry. Less than an hour from London, it’s an easy day trip, which I enjoyed solo with no tours scheduled. I walked the streets, mindful of a looming rain that eventually ended my day early. But I gained a solid sense of the city’s resilience. Here’s a snapshot of my experience.

🏰 Walking Through Coventry’s Past: Cathedrals, Museums, and Legends
Legend holds that Coventry was the birthplace of St. George, England’s dragon-slaying patron saint. Britain’s car industry kicked off here in 1896, founded by Daimler in a repurposed cotton mill. And William Shakespeare supposedly jilted a Coventry woman on the eve of their wedding for Anne Hathaway. I was there to soak it all in.

A crisp Saturday morning in late January saw me leaving London’s bustle by train, entering a story of endurance and renewal. My first stop: the haunting ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral, quietly standing beside its dazzling modern replacement. The striking contrast of destruction and rebirth never fails to move me—a poignant reminder of cities and people rebuilding after devastation.

Just downstairs from the destroyed cathedral is the small, volunteer-run Blitz Museum. Although it was off season and the museum was officially closed, I knocked and was kindly let in by Adam, the manager, who was preparing for reopening. It’s a small but extraordinary collection, lovingly maintained by volunteers. I left a donation and purchased a book to support their work.

If you visit, please stop in and mention my name—I recommended you check it out—and be sure to give a shout-out to Adam for his generosity in welcoming me during the off season. It’s a truly worthwhile stop when you’re at the cathedral.

Nearby, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum offers fascinating glimpses into wartime life through personal stories and artifacts. I didn’t get in this time, having to balance my schedule and budget, but it’s well worth a visit.

The Coventry Transport Museum highlights the city’s industrial wartime role with interactive displays featuring vehicles and innovations. Walking through their exhibits, I traveled from horses and bicycles to high-speed land vehicles—an engaging history brought alive even for casual visitors.

🍲 Cozy Comfort: Lunch at The Cosy Club
After the museums, lunch at The Cosy Club was the perfect winter retreat. Classic British fare warmed me up and fortified me for the afternoon ahead. It’s a great spot, but Coventry offers plenty of other dining options too.

🔄 Reflective City Stroll & Return to Routine
In the afternoon, I took a gentle self-guided walking tour through Coventry’s city center, tracing WWII memorial plaques, bomb sites, and viewing the iconic Lady Godiva statue. Walking these streets, I felt a deep connection to the city’s layered past—a blend of legend and modern resilience.

As day turned to dusk, I headed back to London, carrying a renewed appreciation for Coventry—a city that rose from the ashes and proudly shares its story with all willing to listen.

The very next day, I was back in Rome with Rosa, settling into agency routines and planning new adventures for both my clients and myself. As always, thank you for your support—I look forward to helping you arrange your next unforgettable journeys across Europe and beyond.

💬 Join the Conversation!
Have you ever mixed business and pleasure on a trip? What’s your best story of discovering a new place unexpectedly?

What’s your all-time favorite West End or Broadway musical? Have you seen any shows that moved you emotionally like Back to the Future did for me?

If you’ve visited Coventry or other lesser-known UK cities, what hidden gems or memories stand out for you?

Fish & chips or kebabs—what’s your go-to comfort food when traveling? Any favorite spots you’d recommend?

For those who love history, which WWII sites have left a lasting impact on you? What made the experience unforgettable?

What upcoming trips are you dreaming about? Are there destinations you’d like me to cover in future blog posts?