A very uneventful trip back to the UK – just a brief stopover at Dubai to stretch our legs. Arrived at Heathrow to be greeted by a very intense Border Security guard – she decided that our numerous EU/UK border crossings were “suspicious” and warranted further investigation. Apparently our lifestyle is considered a bit strange – who would’ve thought!! We were finally let through Customs/Immigration after official phone calls to both our granddaughter Ocea to confirm she was expecting us and Marion – Mourne Park owner – to verify that yes she did know us and yes we were looking after her house for awhile! We were pretty calm throughout the whole process – though it’s a bit disconcerting having questions fired at you – especially from someone who doesn’t believe a word you’re saying! After being “released” we claimed our bags and caught the tube into London and on to Clapham – where Ocea lives. She had a couple of glasses of wine waiting for us – she knows us well. Very much appreciated!
It was lovely to chill and catch up on Ocea’s news and just be lazy for a day or so – we’d been very busy socializing before we left Aussie. We did eventually rally – we caught the tube into Central London and visited both the Camden and Borough Markets. So different – Camden Market is full of cloths, trinkets etc, while Borough Market has heaps of food stalls, vegetable shops, and little cafes. Such a variety of fare from all over – Europe, the Middle East, Africa! Also an excellent wine shop. The Borough Market was targeted in one of the recent terrorist attacks in London so it was especially amazing to see the place packed – people going about their lives. Londoner’s are renowned for their resilience and their “just get on with it” attitude. It was evident wherever we went – the tubes and streets were packed – everyone seemed relaxed. Ocea also took us to the Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush – another day out. We did a bit of shopping and went to the cinema to watch “The Shack” – a movie based on one of my very favourite books. Again we went on the tube – zigzagging our way across London. Can’t see a lot – you see much more on a bus – but it works well. Very quick – very convenient.
We moved from Ocea’s house to stay with friends Colin and Barb who live in Sutton – South London. They’ve just moved back to the UK from France – we met them through Riverchurch in Perpignan. There’s a common theme when we’re hanging out with Colin and Barb – good wine, good food, lots of laughter! This visit was no different. They took us into Central London to check out the very popular South Bank area. We had lunch at “The Anchor” – a local pub built in 1615 – and then just wandered along the “Queen’s Walk” – great walkway along the edge of the Thames. Lots to see – the Globe Theatre, art galleries and little shops, pubs and restaurants, beautiful bridges, amazing views of London on the north side of the river. Lots of photos – love London!
We also caught the bus with Colin to see Hampton Court – near Kingston – also on the Thames. Kingston is still a part of London but on the western outskirts, very close to the countryside. Has the best of both worlds. Lots of interesting shops and little alleyways in the “Old Town” and cafes and restaurants along the riverbank. We stopped for a coffee before catching a water taxi to Hampton Court. Lovely views from the river as we motored along – green grass on one side, lots of houses built near the river’s edge on the other. Hampton Court has been a Royal Palace since 1514 and has a very interesting history – especially during the reign of Henry Vlll – lots of scandals and goings on. We walked round some of the vast gardens and grassed areas. Lots of flowers and mature trees. I really enjoyed the huge kitchen garden full of herbs, fruit and vegetables – would keep the castle kitchens well supplied. We didn’t go inside the castle itself but it looked impressive. Sometimes things just cost too much – you can’t do everything!
We left Colin and Barb’s Saturday morning – tube to Euston Station in London, the train to Holyhead in Wales, the ferry to Dublin, and then a train again to Newry – just across the border in Northern Ireland. We were picked up by Chris and driven back to Mourne Park – our regular Kilkeel house sit. We’ve settled into the Gardener’s Cottage again. It’s been lovely catching up with the Mourne Park animals – horses Maurey and Pepper and of course Frodo – Chris’ adventurous and very affectionate little dog. Things have just slotted back in!!
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in England, United Kingdom- Border Security
- Borough Market
- Camden Market
- Clapham
- Euston
- ferry
- food
- house sit
- London
- Mourne Park
- Sutton
- wine
A lovely and interesting read. Photos brilliant. Hope you are having some warm weather! Take care.
Hi Carol…..raining today! Hanging out for a BBQ – need the weather to improve xx