At the risk of this turning into a bragfest or long list of places, we are going to post the interesting changes that have occurred in the 25+ years we have been away from London. The place holds many very happy memories – living in various areas and, of course, where Wanda and Alistair met, got engaged and lived after getting married.
We have broken the city into areas to explore, to get to know, to revisit and to reconnect with. After our flight from New York, we returned to Kensington. It is not an area we know particularly well, so to combat the jet lag and weariness, we twalked to the nearby Brompton Cemetery and had an explore around the tombstones and daffodils. It was great to stretch legs and get some fresh air but it was rushed because the cemetery gets locked at 5pm! Times and visits are going to be a practice to get used to.
The next day was over to the east of the city and where Alistair worked before we left for Australia. We explored the Canary Wharf district: enjoyed the variety of architecture, the Museum of the London Docklands (fantastic), the variety of public art, giggled at the igloo boats (indulging on a fondue spread) and hot tub boats (weird but interesting concept) on the water (docks not Thames) and lapped up the sun (after the fog lifted). Big changes there! Alistair remembered when there was so little there, he could see the Thames from his office window. Now there is no chance, as there is a forest of high rise.
We then slipped over to North Greenwich for the IFS Cloud Cable Car over the Thames to the Royal Dock - we got lucky and had a gondola to ourselves. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride despite the height and swaying. The amount of change is incredible. The 2012 Olympics would have been a major player in the regeneration of the area. And it shows. We were amazed at how busy the area is – so many people out and about enjoying the activities.
Then Brick Lane, some other areas of the City, of London – all surprisingly busy with loads of people wandering/shopping. Leadenhall Market, Monument, The Banker pub under Cannon Street Station for a sunset drink – a theme is developing here! – followed by a stroll along the Thames as night fell. Awesome.
Next day: it was the area around Covent Garden, with a start at the Tower area (yes, they are not that close but it worked with what we wanted to do and the beautiful weather). Again, huge changes since Alistair worked at St Katherine’s Dock. And again, hordes of people. To be expected, as it was a Sunday. A walk over Tower Bridge, some mudlarking on the low-tide Thames beaches (Alistair is convinced he found Restoration era hand-made nails in the shingle), Butler’s Wharf and a walk back over the bridge, all in brilliant sunshine that really showed off the bridge beautifully.
Covent Garden was next and it was a challenge to reconcile the changes. Too much tat and big-label concession shops, none of the flower/antique jewellery stalls to be seen. A restorative bevy on the 5th-floor bar of the Royal Opera House helped reset our mood. A roast lunch at the Lamb and Flag (pub about 400 years old) and a walk through the Seven Dials area helped create another enjoyable afternoon. We are planning a return to the area, as we discovered a cheese train (like a sushi train) restaurant and feel the need to explore the concept. And that cheesy link connects with our observation: huge changes in that so many shops are food-based instead of the fashion shops we remember.
We strolled back over the river to end the evening 68-70 storeys, high drinking a glass of Moët as the sun set, at The View observation floor in The Shard. Stunning views for kilometres, not overly crowded and a fabulous way to end the day.
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