Last Day in London

Final breakfast in Shepherd’s Bush at the Wild Thyme. It was the best yet! 

Norm’s waffles with bacon, fresh fruit and ice cream. 

Perfect poached eggs.

Into town to see the Tower Bridge (from a distance) new buildings and the Borough Market. 

So different.

The Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in London, dating back to the 12th century. It is found at the south end of the London Bridge. We arrived just before lunch and the food was ready!

Paella anyone? 

We had never seen white lettuce with bits of pink. 

We did sample a pretzel, honey and cheese.

Next we walked to the British Museum. 

An exhibit, Charmed Lives in Greece- Ghika, Craxton, Leigh Fermor that Norm wanted to see. 
It focused on the friendship of the artists Niko Ghika and John Craxton and the writer Patrick Leigh Femor. It was quite interesting seeing how they lived in Greece and shared their love of art, literature and Greece. 

Now for a walk to Regent Park. We traveled through Soho, along Regent street.

The high end shopping! But fun to look. 

In Regent Park. Nice open spaces and lots of trees.

Even a rest on the benches.

Back to Shepherd’s Bush before rush hour. Finish off our day with Napoli pizza. Delicious.

Tomorrow we fly home. It has been a really good holiday. 

Box Hill, Norbury Park, River Mole and Leatherhead

Time for a walk in the woods. We caught the train to Box Hill in Surrey, 30 km from London, which was running late due to a repair on the track. A perfect day for walking although we really didn’t know where we were going to walk. After buying an ordinance survey map and meeting a wonderful woman from Dorking we were off. You have to love the name Dorking. 

She was walking Finn and invited us to follow her. It was just what we wanted.

Across fields, through the woods and along trails.

Now on our own Norm checked the map and we headed to Leatherhead.

I checked the public footpaths??

We followed the River Mole.

It looks a bit muddy but it was really pretty.

We arrived at Leatherhead by 2 and ready for lunch. 

The Running Horse pub built in 1403 and rumoured that Elizabeth I spent a night here, was just the place.

The placemat for my fish (batters with Spitfire ale) and chips with mushy peas. Norm had the special, quiche.

We had an hour to use up before the train back and guess what..... there were at least 5 charity stores! Norm got to read the paper and I went looking. Yes I bought a top for 3.50£. Pretty good deal. 

Once back at Shepherds Bush we checked out the market. This market is under the rail tracks and looks like the kind you would see in a third world county. Lots of clothes, fabric, wild colours and so interesting.

Yellow Bunny is ready to buy but not sure what she wants. 

Walking London

Started our day at Proud Mary’s for breakfast. Norm has not had pancakes since we left. He thought he’d give it a try.

And with a banana which he ate. But not like the buttermilk ones I make. 

We planned to meet Lon and Lorrie Wood who are also in London only till tomorrow. A walk to Hyde Park. 

That is a Henry Moore, the arch, behind us. What fun to find people you know on the other side of the world.

A walk along the Serpentine River seeing all sorts of wildlife.

New babies heading to the water

Lunch and then said goodbye till Victoria 

Off to find ...... book stores, Foyle’s, a good one. But on the way we found lovely irises and roses.

Ronald Regan, in the no longer used US Embassy, Grosvenor Square. US government moved it to the south side 

Fun street names 

 And public art 

Norm taking photos in Hanover Square. He liked the workman’s colours. 

London is such a busy place. Crowds, construction, buses and noise. But here at Foyle’s  bookstore there are 5 floors to enjoy. Charing Cross Road is known for its bookstores although there are less today. 

Past Trafalgar Square 


To the Thames where the city is improving its sewer system. I think it is overdue.

Note the London Eye. And cranes, everywhere! 
Closer look at the plan

We walked along the Southbank to the Borough market. Oops too late, closed. 

That’s St. Paul amidst the office buildings.

A needed cider.

Old meets new. 

Heading back to our neighbourhood means taking at least 3 tube stops. It is after 6 but wow was it packed. Norm pulled me on the first train. 

This is looking in the next car. I bet the locals get tired of all the tourists!