Hi again! We are back in the UK. We left Tromso last Tuesday evening – 1st of December – and flew into Gatwick Airport, south of London. We caught a couple of trains and arrived safely at Hamish and Tiff’s house in East Sheen. We had met Hamish and Tiff at Chateau Valcreuse in France – Hamish is Shev’s brother. It’s been great staying with them. On Wednesday we had a day out in London with Hamish and his mother-in-law Sue. We caught a bus and then the tube, arrived in Piccadilly Circus, and just walked – best way to see things! We went to Leicester Square with all its theatres, on to Trafalgar Square, and then through the streets and across the Thames to take a ride on the London Eye – lovely views.
We then headed to Westminster and visited Big Ben and Parliament House – I found my own private entrance – see photo! – then on through Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace. It was a huge advantage to have Hamish as our personal tour guide – he and Tiff have lived in London for 10 years. We then walked past St James Palace where Wills and Harry live. The guard box outside the palace was empty so Reg and I decided to offer our services. On to Berry Bros – a very famous wine shop, then Oxford St with all its shops and Christmas lights. No shopping – just looking!
Before we caught the train home we went to an underground wine bar. Not sure of its original use – hopefully not something too disgusting – but it’s a tunnel that runs under the street and is so low you can hardly stand up. It also leaks water when it rains – but it is one of the coolest places to be seen in London. We are now running with the “in” crowd!
That night we met up with Caroline and Alexander – they own Chateau Valcreuse – at the restaurant run by Hamish and Tiff. The food was fantastic! Hamish is head chef, Tiff runs front of house. We met Caroline and Alexander again the next day in London. Another great meal – lunch in a wonderful restaurant. It never rains but pours with us!! It was sad to say goodbye to Caroline and Alexander – they were catching the Eurostar back to Belgium that evening. We will miss them.
Reg and I went into London again today – getting to know our way in quite well – and again just wandered around. London Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and through the business district on our way back to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. We have really enjoyed exploring London – a very vibrant city with a great feel.
We pick up a hire car tomorrow morning and will make our way to the Yorkshire Dales for a week, then on to Tomich, Scotland. We are returning to our original house sit for another 3 weeks before heading back to Aussie. Owners are heading off on another holiday. Seems right somehow – to finish where we started.
Bye for now
Much love
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in England, United Kingdom