So I slept more hours than expected. It could have been that I was tired but I think the buckwheat pillows provided, touched with an addition of lavender oil could have helped as well.

So up for breakfast at 0730 ... and morning meeting with the lovely Elysian PR Bridget Quinlan.

The hotel will open in November. The building is 60 floors ... with the hotel - 188 all-suites - set over the first 27 floors and the rest being private residences that start at $3.4 million each! All but two are sold ...! We have never filmed in a hotel that isn't really open yet but the Elysian only has days to go and everything we need is in place ... and the staff is exceptional ... and I believe the property is a fantastic addition to the Chicago hotel industry and a fabulous addition to the show.

First up, filmed "arrival" at the hotel in a Maybach with number-plate "Elysian"! Very cool ... The drive-in entrance has underground heating that will ensure even on snowy days, there will be no need for gritters or sand. It's the only luxury hotel in Chicago that has this kind of drive-way ...

By the way - when Ancient Greek warriors died, they went to live in eternity in the perfect splendour of "Elysian Fields" ... so the name of the hotel!

Next stop the Spa. I have not shaved for the past 8 days for a reason ... today! The 4th floor spa has fitness facilities, a 20 metres indoor lap-pool, massage rooms ... and his n' hers areas each with sauna, steam room and whirlpool. I headed to the men's atelier where barber of 30 years Mimi Sagadin removed my beard in 45 minutes using a single blade ... not ONE drop of blood was spilt! It was a lovely experience ... the idea of being shaved everyday instead of me doing it is most appealing!

After a superb lunch at Ria (there are 3 - Ria, Balsan and Bernard's) we trotted up to the top of building (59th floor) to film the Chicago skyline! The Penthouse is not quite ready yet ... it was VERY windy up and VERY cold! Brrrrrrr!

From here it was a chef cooking feature with Exec Chef - Jason McLeod ... who is from Vancouver Island in Canada! Ahhh! We cooked a fish dish that was just yummy.

The General Manager interview was up next. Kevin Robinson is ex-Four Seasons - so he knows his stuff. The Elysian is doing things slightly differently - no tipping, ice-cream in your own fridge/freezer, a business centre delivered to your suite if you need it, all phone calls - local and inside the USA are free, complimentary wi-fi ... to name but a few! I like!

Then the suite review - number 1702 is 120 m2 - a Premier Gold Coast Suite with a terrace (excellent), fireplace, king-bed, dining table, large & comfy sofas, enormous bathroom with mosaic floors and Asprey amenities, HD televisions, microwave, fridge/freezer ... a very practical and comfortable suite!

Finally we finished up in the kitchen munching on chef's pizza, salad and desserts! A lovely evening!

Bridget has been so wonderful to us ... and even temporarily overcame her hate of heights to let Jimmy take the photo below!

The Elysian has made me smile all day. I love this hotel - especially because the staff is so friendly and genuine. I know this property is a winner.

Song of the Day: Fascination - Alphabeat
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BOMhenAQcw

Weather: Fine but chilly ... brrrrr ....

the elysian
60 floors! phew!
10 day beard
shave to the left
shave to the right
shave in the middle
mimi the barber
exec chef - jason mcleod
penthouse hard-hat tour with lovely bridget
general manager - kevin robinson
balcony view of john hancock building
fireplace
bedroom

Greetings from The Elysian hotel in Chicago.

It's been a rather long day ... it's now 8.30 pm ... 2.30 am back in London!

Was up rather early and due to a mix up in trains and tracks ... it took 5 hours to get to the airport which was rather yukky. The flight was incredible ... there is so little positive to say about it ... the food was bad (well it didn't smell good so I didn't go anywhere near it), the in-flight entertainment was FAR from entertaining, the service was non-existent, it tried to charge Tim $6 for a beer (which went down very badly), the seats were very uncomfortable and the staff just looked angry all the time. Thankfully, the flight was only 8 hours and no luggage was lost!

We were met at the airport by the Elysian staff with a HUUUUUGE limousine to drive us the 45 minutes to the hotel.

After meeting the lovely management team we popped out for a quick munchie ... and thankfully now off to sleep.

I am VERY impressed with my suite ... more on that tomorrow.

Chicago - the Windy City - holds such great memories ... friends, hotels, restaurants ... this week should be excellent!

Song of the Day: Everybody needs Somebody to Love - The Blues Brothers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCTJeT2i9QU

Weather: Cold ... brrrrr


and we're off again ...

there's a reason for the beard!

a clean-shaven tim

arrival in chicago

a rather long car

with lots of leg-room

my chicago home

Early morning - nothing



Late morning - nothing



Early afternoon - nothing



Late afternoon - nothing



Evening - guess what .. ?



Tomorrow - Chicago



Song of the Day: Lazy - David Byrne
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3lJwyQ_2Qg


Weather: ?

It's been a fairly quiet day ... after a very noisy & busy night!

I feel quite bad as I didn't take photos of last night ... which - thinking back - actually is a good thing.

So, met friends for drinks at Brown's Hotel ... on Albermarle Street. I filmed here a couple of years back ... but have only been back once. It was the first hotel to open in London - back in 1837 - and in 2003, I believe - it became a Rocco Forte Hotel.

We met at the Donovan Bar - named after the world-famous photographer. There's a special seating area that has some fabulous B&W photos ... especially if you are a boy!

From there it was Automat ... one road along on Dover Street ... which is supposed to be an upmarket American diner. I am not sure I heard one American accent ... the food was pretty ok - the service was less than ok - the wine - passable but the company was superb!

From there we headed to 50 St James ... a casino/club owned by the Barclay Brothers (who also own The Ritz Hotel). A couple of members of Girls Aloud were having some kind of party ... so it was quite full. The wine was fantastic ... but some of the patrons were - it would be fair to say ... awful ... ill-mannered ... yuk .... The Bar is run by legend Salvatore Calabrese - a wonderful chap ... who knows an awful lot about wine, whisky & cigars ... lovely man.

By 1 am we were STILL thirsty so we had a drink at the Mandarin Oriental Bar ....

Finally back to bed at the lovely Berkeley at 2 am and up at 5.30 to catch a train ... ouch!

It was a great evening - old friends and new friends - laughter & wine ...

Song of the Day: Teenage Dirtbag - Girls Aloud (truly awful) www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6EWMFqpDI8

Weather: Rain .... then Sun

brown's - hmmmm
automat - hmmm

salvatore - legend

So how much fun can you have in an elevator? I know what you are thinking BUT I don't mean that kind of fun! I have met some very interesting people in elevators ... and last night I met Oscar (a fabulous name for a cat by the way!). No - I met a REAL Oscar statue ... and got to touch him (appropriately) as well! He was won last year for a documentary called "Smile Pinky" and was on tour with his producer! So - I will never win anything - but at least I have touched what is regarded as the pinnacle of any career for a film or tv producer ..

Today has been edit day ... the first day for the South Island of New Zealand. All went well ... and it looks fabulous. Well - everything without me looks fabulous anyway!

The day brought back great memories ....

Back to my hotel - The Berkeley. It has been a scene in London since the early 1970's. There are 214 rooms and suites and I have a lovely suite on the 8th floor with great views of Knightsbridge. The Blue Bar is very popular as is the Box Wood Cafe ...

I am ready for a night out then prepare for a crazily busy week in Chicago from Monday.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my Canadian friends ...

Song of the Day: If I Change the World - Eric Clapton & Babyface
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmsLQFqdiQE&feature=fvw

Weather: Superb ... then ... miserable!

oscar

smile pinky!

richard with two victoria shaws ... SCARY!

champagne anyone?

sweet

bathroom with a view!

comfy bedroom

from t'other side

Greetings from The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. It's been a long, exhausting day ... and I am ready for sleep. I have just spent the past 4 hours brainstorming with our PR - Julia. My mind is numb, so if I make spilling (!) mistakes, then I am truly sorry!

The weather today was lovely! Clear blue sky, sunshine, chilly ... a truly lovely London day.

Lunch with the GM of Claridges ... sushi & sashimi. Healthy! Also got to see Archie LeWoof - who licked my hand in recognition ... always a good feeling.

Then popped into Davidoff to sample a cigar. It was a doubly lovely afternoon as both Edward & son Eddie were there! Had a very special hour with them ... "sampling" ... and catching up. This is one of my big "luxuries" in London life ... in Davidoff with a Sahakian ... today I had two for the price of one ... splendid.

Next, a brisk walk down to The Berkeley for a wee drink with the hotel's PR and GM ... in the famous Blue Bar.

Will post review of suite tomorrow ...

Song of the Day: Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9TGj2jrJk8

Weather: Purrrfect!

lunch
archie lewoof
dear eddie
home

Day 200 of the diary! And to celebrate I am going to feast on smoked salmon!

So in the last 200 days we have filmed in Ireland, Singapore, Santa Barbara, San Diego, New Zealand South & North Islands, Western Cape of South Africa & British Columbia ... with pit-stops along & out of the way.

There have been huge highs but also the occasional low. I have met some of the most wonderful, sincere and thoughtful people in the world ... and this is a boon that I truly treasure.

I keep thinking of a single highlight ... but I can't quite yet ... I will never forget the stars in Africa ... or the stars in Canada ... the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand ... the warmth of the Irish ... fireworks in San Diego ... and of course the hotels - The Biltmore, Eichardt's, Fullerton, Beverly Wilshire, Bushman's Kloof to name but five ...

SO - remember back in May, when I caught that 18 pound salmon? ... well, it was smoked ... and arrived today! There's rather a lot of it ... and when I get home from Chicago, it's smoked salmon and scrambled egg for me every morning!

Song of the Day: Baby, Can I Hold You? - Tracy Chapman
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkftyHSf6sQ

Weather: Frankly, I have given up caring ...

hunter ...

deliverer...

gatherer ... 6 kgs of MY smoked salmon ... yay!

Today is Day 199 of the "daily diary" ... wow! I have missed just one entry when I crossed the international date line in May ... I believe.

Tomorrow I will reminisce over the year so far ...

SO - we are nearly there with the final preparations for Chicago next week. We have just had confirmation from one of the world's greatest chefs that he will teach me to prepare something ... we will also be looking round one of the most amazing buildings in the world, arguably the greatest art gallery in the world ... and I will be performing karaoke ... with a difference. I can't sing ... but I am hoping the "difference" will make the difference!

The 2010 Season is now in full planning ... and I am VERY excited already! We start in March with a trip to the Southern Hemisphere ... suntan lotion at the ready.

Hopefully, by the end of the week, I will have the exact airing dates, times and channels for Europe and Middle East for this Season.

Oh ... and I now have TweetDeck and it rocks!

Song of the Day: Lovely Day - Bill Withers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGuE0C8x4-w

Weather: Awful - AGAIN!

my favourite quote ...

It's been raining so heavily today that I have not managed to step outside of the house ...

I did get a note from St Jean's Cannery in Canada saying that the salmon I caught on Sonora in May has now been fully smoked and will be with me next week - while I am in Chicago! Gemima the pup has been licking her chops ... I wonder what the chances of me getting to eat any ... hmmm ... none!

I am so looking forward to Chicago ... we are staying at The Elysian (a brand new luxury property) and The Peninsula (one of the best properties in the USA) ... and doing some crazy, crazy features ... which you will read about next week!

We are flying to Chicago by United Airlines -- a new one on me -- I have never flown United before. Last time I flew AA to Chicago and was rather unimpressed until I was given a pizza to eat before landing! Yum!

I have now learnt more about Twitter - in that people can message me and I can message back! Oops! I have a few messages to reply to ...

All good things happening this week!

Song of the Day: Tea - Sam Brown
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kymGYuMa_k0

Weather: Atrocious


hmmm ... a dubious segue ...

Day 2 of doing nothing ... lovely ...

I did go to a pet shop though and found out that ferrets don't like dairy, beef, pork, soya or eggs. Even more picky than me then ... haha!

Song of the Day: Busta' Move - Young MC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy4FXhkm6Nw

Weather: OK ...
a pair of ferrets ...

Today ... I have done very little ... and I feel grrrrrreat!

Song of the Day: No Suprises - Radiohead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgzeqwhNTDk

Weather: Do not really care ...

The jury is still out on whether the London 2012 Olympics will be a success. Success will not only be measured on London being ready for the world but also the medal list ... I fear for both.

I am very sad that Chicago did not win the race for 2016 - especially as we will be filming there in 10 days time - but am very pleased that Rio did win! The people of Rio do not need an excuse for a party and now they have one ... goodness ... it WILL be a carnival! We will be filming there ... next year!

I did not get home until after 1 a.m. after my train decided to stop and rest ... for a while ...

I am so looking forward to a weekend of nothing. Do you think I will get any sunshine? Watch this space ...

Song of the Day: Rio - Duran Duran (sorry)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3W6yf6c-FA

Weather: Beach volleyball anyone?

hmmmm .... donuts ....

Last night I slept like a baby. It could have been down to the buckwheat pillow, or maybe the whisky I supped at The Athenaeum's Wednesday evening drinks party, or my lovely chicken yakatori, or the lovely shower in the London's largest shower room (Suite 405) ... anyway ... I woke up full of beans today and spent it in the edit slashing & burning through the North Island of New Zealand show. It looks great! I am very pleased ... the shots of the Kiwi bird at Cape Kidnappers are priceless.

It's rather freaky that it's getting dark earlier and earlier ... I miss Summer ...

What is also rather odd is Central Perk (Friends) that has just opened in Soho ... it was packed this morning with quite ugly people trying to squeeze onto the main sofa. Hmmm ... I see another Planet Hollywood disaster heading it's way ...

Song of the Day: Coffee & TV - Blur
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXRVX1AKAew

Weather: Dry & Roasted

the big shower (it goes on & on & on)
friends comes to soho ... oh dear!
"bonus" - my kiwi
two many joannas in the room!
my favourite wine of 2009 - SO FAR!
richard .... t'editor