Thursday 16 June

They were right! It's pouring down and we have had breakfast and decided what we are going to do for the day. Last night we met up with Colleen's daughter Tori and had a lovely evening with her, catching up after not having seen her for probably 25 years! It was so nice and we were able to speak with Colleen while we were all together. Coll's sister passed away from cancer this week so it was special to have the chance to talk.

We haven't said too much about the London Guards Hotel other than the number of stairs to our bedroom. The lift is still out of action but we are able to use the goods lift although Jan doesn't like it much because its cramped, rough and abrupt!

The hotel is very well located just a five minute walk to Lancaster Gate Subway Station which we have used exclusively as it's on the central line, or a further five minute walk to Paddington Station. The entrance to Hyde Park is at the end of the street about 100 metres away.

Our room is very adequate, nice and clean, and we have two opening windows looking out over the surrounding rooftops so is nice and light. We have a large bed, a couple of period chairs that look like they shouldn't be sat on and a good bathroom. For the price we paid, £562 for 7 nights, locals are really surprised as in this location they reckon that we should have paid a lot more. Breakfast is included.

At breakfast we are hard put to hear another English speaking person, most of the people staying here are German but we would stay here again!

We braved the weather at about 10.30am and set off for St Paul's Cathedral. Getting there was a little complicated but we are pros now and did it no sweat. Admission was £14.50 and, in view of Stu's comments we decided that was a bit steep. We were able to look inside though and spent some time in the shop which was full of very interesting (and expensive) souvenirs.

We left St Pauls and headed for the British Museum - not far just along London Wall Street. The museum was great. We spent at least 3 hours looking through all the exhibits and really enjoyed it. We found it very well organised, hugely informative, (full of kids - what a great way to learn) and thoroughly captivating. It followed London through the ages and included artifacts from as far back as 3,500 BC - amazing. Videos provided enactments of the Black Plague and the Great Fire of London. Other exhibits included examples of clothing through the ages and last but not least a wonderful carriage built for the Lord Mayor of London in 1776. We finally dragged ourselves away after having a quick lunch at the café.

By this time it was 3.15pm and Kev still wanted to go to the National Portrait Gallery. My feet were killing me but we hopped on the tube once more and made our way there. We were not disappointed at the wonderful array of portraits of many famous people including Baden Powell, Winston Churchill, Emily Panckhurst, Sir Paul McCartney, members of the royal family including Lady Di, the Bronte Sisters - to name but a few. Great paintings and very enjoyable.

We made our way home wishing to avoid the rush hour and arrived back at the Hotel around 5pm. Another great day! We are off to dinner tonight to meet Marie and Damien at Covent Garden. Looking forward to it.

Lovely to receive your comments - feels like you guys are close even though you are far away. Marion, say hello to the walkers from me - I am holding up my end here I can tell you.

Ruby & Issy - we saw another squirrel today at St Pauls Cathedral and its right in the city! We miss you guys lots. Lu how's the cycling going? Are you back at school yet?

Love from us xx