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Thursday
Last full day in London. Another leisurely breakfast in the crowded restaurant, tho this time we did have a little bit more room around our table. (Perhaps we smelt!!) I wanted to go to the Borough market - which is only operating in full on Thursdays - Sat. So we set off on our underground route and found our way no problem. The market was just getting underway and we had a relatively walk around for a while. It was a little frustrating not being able to buy much as the selection of food was mind blowing. Everything from fish, oysters, aged beef, pork pies etc. to the biggest meringues you have ever seen. We did resist the temptation however - mostly because we are staying in an hotel and not self catering, and we had had a perfectly adequate breakfast. We did however find the BEST coffee yet. There was a huge queue to be served but a very efficient system was in place and we got our coffee in about 5 minutes flat. Single origin, organic, perfectly made double espresso in a big cup with extra water on the side!!! And it was cheaper than most.
After our coffee we walked a couple of blocks to the Winston Churchill British war experience where we experienced the sights and sounds and smells of the war, blackouts, blitz attacks, shelters, etc. and a very moving film of actual war footage.
We then made our way back to the market where we had the most delicious beef kofta wrap, grilled as we waited and watched. Yum.
Then we walked over the London bridge and caught the tube back to our hotel where we unloaded our day pack and set off for a decent walk through Kensington gardens and Hyde park. We came upon the Albert memorial (very ornate and a bit tacky!! But huge and imposing nevertheless. Then across to the Royal Albert hall where we were lucky enough to get on a guided tour at 4.30. BONUS was that it is the BBC proms season and there was a rehearsal in progress. This meant that everyone had to be extremely quiet when in the actual hall, but we all obeyed. It was absolutely fantastic - not only to see the hall in all its refurbished splendour (at a cost of 70 million taking 7 years) but sitting in a box next to the Royal box, going into the Royal retiring rooms etc. right upstairs to the standing only circle right at the top of the hall, and listening to the fabulous acoustics. All very worth while.
The other bonus was that it absolutely peeed down while we were in the hall, and was more or less clear when it came time to walk back.
Just having a beer then will decide where to go for dinner.
Off to Paris in the morning. Jan has text us to say they will meet us at Gard de Nord, so we will have a French welcoming party there.
More later.
- comments
Janice Finally got onto this site tonight and read the last few days of your London holiday. Sounds like you're having fun and you're certainly not missing the weather here. Lots of people have bad colds (John included but nowhere as bad as David) and with school holidays as well its been a bit miserable. However it will pass! See cousin Phyllis died in Tauranga and funeral Monday which we will have the kids so I won't be going. Enjoy the rest of your holiday - it's certainly going quickly isn't it? love to you both Janice