London is sparkling for us, at the moment.
As our photos show, it is blue sky and clear days. We are taking every opportunity to enjoy this, as we expect it will not last. We are not the only people doing this; everywhere is crowded. Queues for pretty much at every attraction or eating place (restaurant or food-court stand), packed tubes, busy footpaths and manic observation sites. But that is part of being a tourist and we know we are adding to the melee.
We have been very fortunate to be able to reconnect with Wanda’s cousins. Warren (cousin on her dad’s side) generously invited us to the Royal Over Seas League Club in Mayfair and we spent several hours over a delicious Michelin chef lunch filling in many years’ worth of events. Afterwards, we took in the amazing British Museum transformation of their courtyard, revisited one of Wanda’s old stamping grounds in Paddington – St Mary’s Hospital and the Imperial College of London (again so many changes and high rise!) – and delighted in the peaceful surrounds of Little Venice and the canal boats.
We also spent time with Graham (cousin on her mum’s side) and Cindy, who showed us around Soho and introduced us to Mother Mash, a fun restaurant (no queue as we beat the rush!) based around the good old English pie/sausage and mashed potato concept. Loved meeting Cindy and catching up on their news. We appreciate them all finding time to meet up with us. Connecting with family warms the heart.
Other notable activities were a morning cycling around Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park. Slightly confused as to which paths one was permitted to use, but we had a terrific couple of hours in the sun and fresh air. We revisited the OXO restaurant on the South Bank; we had out last London meal there prior to moving to Australia 27 years ago. Wonderful service, delicious food (and cocktails!) and terrific views of the city and river.
Another walk down memory lane was to Alistair's former 'manor' - south of the river in Clapham. We checked out his old flat (from the outside), rubbernecked the high street, droned on the Common and met up with a former work colleague of Wanda's in a sunny beer garden at the appropriately named The Sun pub. Brixton Market (so much more posh but still a bit edgy) and then a spine-tingling Choral Evensong (for Ash Wednesday - the treble soloist for Allegri's Miserere was sublime) at the 12-Century Temple Church in The City rounded off the day.
London has certainly changed, as is to be expected. Food options have improved exponentially, pollution is much improved with so many electric vehicles, no black mucous after a tube ride (icky thought but a great departure from years ago!). There many more high-rise apartments and office towers, post-covid (?) booking requirements and security check-ins are in force, public transport frequency is phenomenal and it feels safe and welcoming.
Next adventure is into the countryside for a few days to reconnect with friends.
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