I miss those North American breakfasts, skip London in summer, AC's new honcho and Chicago prices

Generally, I prefer most things in Europe to North America - architecture, scenery transit and food. But one thing I constantly miss when away is the good old North American breakfast. It’s not to say I dislike Euro breakfasts with their protein bias of cold cuts and cheeses, occasionally punctuated with a hard-boiled egg. And yes, scrambled eggs and hot bacon and sausages are making inroads. As for the traditional “Full English” breakfast, raved about of course in jolly old England, I’ll take half of it, or less. The eggs and – maybe- the tomato part, and the bangers or rashes, but count me out of the baked beans and mushrooms. Of course, in continental Europe many hotels ape the Full English as decidedly non-continental and still serve it. Which brings me back to yearning for home. Because in Canada and the US you can walk into pretty much any diner and order eggs any way you want, bacon and/or sausages, toast, French Toast or pancakes - with generous portions. And did I mention unlimited coffee? This is one aspect of N America I’d like Europe to import from the colonies.

Speaking of London, now in its third heat wave of the summer, it’s a place to skip during the warm season. I was there late May when the first wave struck and it was horrid in this city with chockablock terrace houses, miniature or no lawns and rather unending brick and concrete. Simply, London wasn’t built for the summer. It’s a three-season town and that’s when I try to visit. But I’ve been caught out in late May and early September as part of wider spring and fall visits and couldn’t wait for the traditional British rain and cool sogginess to return. 

Air Canada has hired Scandinavian Air Services (SAS) chief Anko Van der Werff as its new honcho replacing retiring Michael Rousseau who among other things found it hard to speak in French even if he’s just reading it – and he lives in Montreal! My concern is SAS. I flew two years ago Copenhagen-Toronto on the carrier and was quite disappointed by the service. Unlike Air Canada you had to pay for booze – on a long-haul fight! – and the back seat entertainment system offered a fraction of AC's choices. 

Finally, checking accommodation in Chicago, I was astounded by the prices of hotels, even Airbnb’s. Hotels commonly began at $300US and well over $1000 for apts. anywhere close to the central city. Then I thought: Super 8 by Wyndham. Sure, it’s a stereotype low end chain. But my recent experience travelling to Florida (see Feb. 17 post) found a refreshed property which was clean and spacious and another that I couldn’t complain about. As for Chicago, the price was just $244.08US all-in for three nights. It has a minifridge and microwave, HDTV, WiFi and light breakfast. It’s in a distant suburb called South Holland but on a bus route and close to a Metra suburban train station. And I’m a train freak.