Arrived USA!

 Our first day in London was seeing less touristy spots. Kerry and I had spotted various places, on instagram, that we'd never been to before so decided to check them out. We walked to Waterloo station where we visited the 'Graffiti tunnels'. This is a space where anyone can graffiti. Some of the art work was amazing!

We then walked towards the British museum to the Post building where a lift takes you to the 9th floor for amazing views over London. There are also planter boxes of flowers.

 

Even though the weather is a little cooler in London my feet are still getting a work out and I was relieved late afternoon to get my feet up!!

We are staying at Russell Square and found a lovely Mediterranean restaurant where we had a delicious meal.

We decided to do the tourist hop on/ off trip on Sunday  - our idea of being lazy! It was so much easier although we still did over 15000 steps!

On Monday it was time to pick up the pace and continue to visit unknown places. Our first stop was Leadenhall Market - not as we'd expected - no market now but there had been in the past!

Onward and upward to 120 Fenchurch street - a garden and amazing views on the 15th floor. The smell of the roses and Jasmine as you left the lift was lovely.

It is also free!!!

We wandered towards the Tower of London where a visit to All Hallows by the Tower church was next on the list. This is the oldest church in London and founded in 675AD. We ventured into the crypt where there was evidence of a second century Roman pavement. The church survive the Great Fire of London but did suffer bomb damage and some of it had to be rebuilt.

We then wander over Tower Bridge  to a pub which is under the bridge.

We caught the Underground to Covent garden and had a wander around for a while before coming across Mr Foggs Tavern - a Victorian tavern, rather eccentric but interesting drinks!

 

On Tuesday morning I headed to Heathrow for my flight to the USA. It was chaos at the line up for American Airlines because the site for the ESTA - US visa - was down. It took me over an hour in line to check in but once that was done life was easy. I was suitably impressed with the plane, staff and flight - so different to the internal flights I'd taken!!

Although we left late we arrived on time. I landed in Charlotte, a small hub, and perhaps that helped with the entry into America. The Border Force official was more interested in knowing about the Australian spiders than me entering America!

Justin picked me up and it was a long drive back. On arrival to his place it seemed like a year had never passed. Even Rooster, the dog, didn't get antsy with me! Ivy and Benny have grown ever taller - Ben says he's nearly as tall as me! I enjoyed my hugs.

Ivy stayed home with me the next day and we swam, played and chatted. Ben was out at all his activities.

Yesterday I spent time with Ben at his 'Golf camp'- he can really whack the ball when he concentrates. I then watched his football training in the evening.

The weather is 32C+, bright sunshine with thunder rumbling in the afternoon. My swim before breakfast today was lovely!