London.

 It was sad to say "Goodbye" to Kerrie, Jake and John on Friday as I headed to London for my last few days in England. 😢

I am staying in the same hotel I stayed in last year. I am a stones throw away from Trafalgar  Square, Covent garden, the Thames, the Portrait gallery and about 10 minutes walk from all the theatres. Restaurants abound locally. Luckily the hotel rooms have air con!

As I arrived mid afternoon an early meal was needed as I was off to the theatre. The Italian restaurant from last year was the place to go - it was just the same! I then tried to follow the map on my phone to get to the theatre and after a few false starts I made it!! I saw 'Ain't too proud' - it's the story of the Temptations - one of my favourite Motown groups! It was fabulous! The actors had the most amazing singing voices - we were all tapping our feet. 

Saturday morning I headed out to Oxford Street - I needed my Marks & Sparks bacon roll for breakfast! I had a good look around the store hoping to get an additional pair of swimmers - couldn't believe it, there just a few available on an end of stock rack! Are they preparing for winter stock?  I know the temperature was up to 30C but really! 

It was strange to see Oxford Street so quiet - I remember the old days when you could hardly walk down it for people!! 

 Oxford Street!

I did a bit of wandering before heading to see the 'Sky Garden' - it is London's highest public garden and boasts of spectacular views across the city. I managed to get to the Sky Garden but, although free, didn't realise that I  needed to get a ticket online! There were many disappointed people like myself - next time! I think you need to book three weeks in advance!

London was heaving with people on Saturday night - a free concert in Trafalga Square probably added to the numbers! Getting a seat in a restaurant was impossible! I had to rely on bits of food from the supermarket! Pubs were full and patrons were spilling out onto the pavements, allowable here! Everyone was having a good time and there was no trouble!

Sunday was another hot day so I headed out to the Victoria & Albert museum in South Kensington. I went to the 'Hallyu! The Korean Wave' exhibition. It was a showcase of the popular culture of South Korea and it's influence on a number of creative industries e.g. beauty, fashion, cinema, music. Very interesting!

In the garden of the V&A kids were enjoying the weather!

When I'd had enough of the V&A I headed along to the science museum. On the third floor there were simulators allowing participants the chance to feel what it is like to be one of the RAF Red Arrows team. A couple of late teen lads swaggered over to the simulator, got strapped in, the 'pod' lid closed and the ride began. Suddenly you could hear yelps of fear coming from the pod! I could hardly stop myself from crying out loud with laughter - mind you I wouldn't  have gone in even if I'd been paid! - the lads came out of the 'pod' looking rather pale!

Yesterday, Monday,  I walked down the Mall and saw the changing of the guard. People may scoff about the Royal family but the pomp certainly brings in the tourists. One French tourist, I overheard said, " Tres majic" after the Household  Cavalry rode past!

I walked through some of the parkland before walking to Victoria station. I had a date with the 'Afternoon Tea Bus'!

 

This was a double decker bus which goes around the major sights while you enjoy afternoon tea!

 

It was a very pleasant way to spend a very warm summer day. The tour lasted just over 90 minutes!

The weather was like the worst humid February day in Sydney!!! Every item of my clothing was soaked through and this is the middle of June in the UK!!! Thankgoodness for a cold shower and aircon! After a quick change I was out to the theatre to see 'Book of Mormon'. I found it really funny - loved the cast. I had a lady next to me, who I  think was European, who would occasionally ask me what certain words meant - hoot was one of them and so was rectum!

As I finish writing I will soon be heading to the airport for my flight to the USA. First stop Atlanta and then onto Justin and family on Thursday!