Final day in London

We had some noisy neighbours last night so my last night was not very good but all in all our stay at the bed and breakfast hotel was good. We were sad to leave after breakfast this morning but looked forward to our last day's adventures.

On the way to the bus we were surprised to see some flowers peeping out even though we were walking with snow flurries coming down.

We also noticed some rather strange union flags on one of the buildings. They was in black and white instead of the usual red, white and blue.

Our bus arrived and we had a happy journey to Westminster Abbey. There we discovered that we would have to carry our trolley bags and were not allowed to take any pictures in the Abbey itself, but I did manage to get some once we left the building and so we bought a book full of pictures.

We did enjoy our visit there and were even able to be there when they had their prayer time on the hour. Fantastic that the place came to a standstill for those minutes.
The audio guides were good and although there were plenty of people there, we still managed to move around without bumping into anyone else. These buildings are so very big. I always find it mind boggling to think that they have been there for hundreds of years. When one sees the stone steps that are worn away one can only imagine how many thousands of people have passed along the very same passages. If only the stones could talk, what stories they would have to tell.

After a visit to the shop, we decided to take the bus to Liverpool Street Station and catch a train to Cambridge instead of taking our normal trip back from Kings Cross. Fortunately we had decided to get a burger to eat on the train because the journey took over an hour. It was a "hou stil alle stasies" train so we got to see a number of different stations.

It was interesting to ride on a different train as we have had several different lines this time and all have been most comfortable but this line had free WiFi which was a bonus.

We had a 30 minute wait for our train at Cambridge so we were able to get a coffee as it was still bitterly cold and we needed something to help us keep warm. I have never felt the cold like I have this Winter. My blood must be thinner having spent nearly 5 years in the UK or maybe it is just colder this year.

Once home again I got my new fridge magnets out to see if I could find a spot on the fridge for them. The last of the big spenders, that is who I am. At least they won't take up too much space in our container when we return to SA.

Day Two in London (The Tower of London)

We managed to reach the station just as the train was due to depart so made a dash for the train as the guard had already blown his whistle. 30 minutes later we arrived at Waterloo and then the fun started.

Douglas knew which bus we had to take to get to the Tower of London but did not know where the bus stop was. He also battled to get me to understand which bus we had to take so after walking about two blocks and getting me to understand the instructions on the sheet of paper, we eventually found the correct bus stop. We had to take two buses and that was what confused me as my sense of direction is "rubbish" as they say in the UK.

Eventually we arrived at the Tower of London and then stood in a queue for 25 minutes to get to see the Crown Jewels.

Before

After, No more people waiting to enter.

It was well worth the wait and after that we climbed many flights of stairs to get to see the actual Tower but that too was well worth the exercise. 

As the time had arrived for the venue to close there was a rush to take my photos and then we had the battle of the buses again.

Douglas was tired and I was stupid so we had a battle to find the bus stop and ended up taking a different bus as the bus Douglas wanted was no where to be found. While on the bus I noticed a bus stop that had the number of the bus that we had been looking for so we quickly got off the bus and after a few minutes the lost bus arrived and we were on our way.

We walked to the shop for some supper and then off to Starbucks for some coffee and finally after a decent walk we were back in our room where I could rest my sore feet.

Day Two in London (Hampton Court)

A good night's sleep, a hot shower and a satisfying breakfast, and we were ready to face the cold weather outside.
We walked a different route to get a bus that would take us to Waterloo station so we could get a train to Hampton Court. Everything went according to plan and after short bus ride and a 30 minute train ride we arrived at the palace.

We managed to be in King Henry's chambers just as a dramatic presentation started so enjoyed the show. A good thing that we were seniors so we did not have to kneel down when the King appeared.  Being half term, there were plenty of youngsters there and it was good to see them enjoy learning some History.

We walked miles but did not notice this as it was all very interesting and rather beautiful.

We managed to reach the station, having stopped to see the ducks on our way to the station, just as the train was due to depart so made a dash for the train as the guard had already blown his whistle.

Quarter Days in London

Today was the start of our 3 "QuarterDays" and we have come to London for some R&R.
We were supposed to have a steam train ride on Saturday but that was postponed so we now have to find other activities.
Our first day started with the Warfarin Blood check and then a train ride to London. The bloods were fine, the score being as it was 10 weeks ago so no change in the medication and the next check is in 12 weeks.
The train was packed but still a pleasant journey. Once in London we took a bus to Victoria station as the hotel is near this station. That was when the drama started. Instead of taking 20 minutes from Kings Cross it took over an hour and even then at one point the driver stopped the bus and told us all to get off and get another bus. The reason, a deviation at Oxford Street. He took us on a scenic route and then once back on the correct route told us to change busses. Fortunately we have free bus passes so changing busses was not a problem.
From Victoria station we walked to our hotel and checked in then went looking for some food as we had not had anything since breakfast and it was 16h00 and we were starved.
We found a Nandos so enjoyed a meal and then took a bus to Hamstead Heath. It was dark when we arrived there so we caught the next bus back and on the way back to the hotel bought sandwiches for supper later as well as some coffee at the Starbucks.
Now we are ready for bed. A good night's rest and then more exploring tomorrow.

The Mart

A couple of Fridays ago we decided to go to Lynn to see the Mart. This is an annual event that takes place on the parking lot at the back of the Vancouver shopping area in the center of Lynn.

We had never been before, but as it was the first sunny day for a while and as it had only opened the day before and the schools had not yet closed for mid term break, we decided it might be the best time to go.

The first stalls we saw were the sweet stalls. There were 4 of them next to each other. (I suppose people need energy in order to cope with all the excitement of the activities anticipated.)

None of the food stalls were open and many other game stalls were also closed but it was good to see all the rides and activities that were available.
It reminded me a bit of Durban beach front especially the area near North beach.

There were quite a number of people milling about and even some children so I can only imaging the chaos once the schools close. The noise from the different rides mingled with the screams from those who were participating was quite loud so one can only imagine what it would be like when fully operational  I feel sorry for the businesses that surround it. They would have to put up with noise daily as well as the added difficulty of having the parking area no longer available for their clients. It is no wonder that every year we read in the Lynn News of all the complaints and suggestions for the Mart to be relocated.