Our flight from Barcelona was delayed for almost half an hour because four people checked their luggage in and then didn't board the plane. As a result, the luggage had to be unloaded until their bags were located and removed. Maybe the police caught up with them or maybe they just changed their minds. Who Knows?
There was snow on the Pyrenees as we flew over them and that explains the cold winds in Barcelona the day before.
London. 25.5.13
We caught the Easybus from Gatwick airport and then the underground and the overground to Kensal Rise where we were met by Serge, owner of our exchange house. We were made very welcome by the family and Katy had cooked dinner followed by rhubarb crumble. Delicious.
We were also greeted with warm, sunny weather which continued for three glorious days. Alas! The rain is here on day four.
We spent our fist full day exploring our immediate area and getting our bearings. We followed Katy's directions and found the corner shops, bus stop and Queen's Park a short walk away. It was Sunday and a beautiful spring day at the beginning of the mid-term break so there were lots of families enjoying the fine weather and the beautiful park. It is one of many dedicated to the public and it has various attractions. There are all-weather table-tennis tables, playing fields, a children's petting farm, playground, coffee shop and park benches and tables under huge leafy trees.
On the other side of the park in the grounds of the Primary school there was a Farmer's Market with interesting fresh produce. We sampled the local goat's cheese but I still don't like it despite trying to develop a taste for it. It took me a long time to love oysters and mussels so maybe I'll persevere with the cheese.
The following day we caught the bus into London and had lunch in Chinatown. Below are some Chinese sweet treats we didn't eat. Aren't they so cute?
Lemon and honey tea. So refreshing. I've never had it like this before.
Hunger satisfied, we then meandered through the historic city streets, past the West End theatres advertising shows such as Billy Elliot, Les Miserables, Singin' in the Rain and lots of others.
We found ourselves in Trafalgar Square where the London Symphony Orchestra was rehearsing for a twilight performance later in the day, so we sat and listened for awhile and decided to return for the concert at 6.30pm.
We continued until the entrance to the Whitehall Gardens and could not resist the attraction of such a scented and tranquil oasis.
We exited the park and followed the surging long-weekend crowds along the Embarkment and were surprised at the fast current in the River Thames. On the opposite bank, The London Eye absolutely dominates the skyline.
I love this powerful sculpture of Boadicea, queen of the British Iceni tribe who lead the uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire.
We continued on past the iconic Big Ben which still tells London the time and into St. James park, yet another haven of calm beauty in the centre of the city.
Duck Island Cottage was built for the bird keeper in St. James Park. It is surrounded by a cottage garden and water and is picturesque in the extreme.
This little squirrel was not a bit shy and stood looking at us as we looked at it.
The next animal, belly up to the sun and sound asleep on its owner, was not the least bit interested in us!
We went home, packed a quick picnic dinner, collected some warm clothing and returned to Trafalgar Sq. for the concert. By then there were a squillion people seated and another million trying to get somewhere to sit.
We managed to get some ground space with a backrest before security closed all the entrances. We were reasonably comfortable, warm in the sun, with only the odd foot to the head from the people perched above us.
It was a balmy night and a wonderful experience to listen to such music in the open air. The concert finished at 8pm and we were home before dark. A Great Big, Day!
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