London - Day one

The long awaited trip to London happened a couple of weeks ago. Travelling on the tube from the outskirts after parking the car. We left a bit later than planned as I had a small mishap - I misplaced my phone! Panicking just a little as I'm quite careful with my precious phone, we retraced the many steps from the station to the car to find it. I left it in the car thankfully, not along the way as I'd feared, so it was back to the station and a later tube.   

It was input input from the beginning. An interesting trip people watching as the carriage filled up along the way. Finding the hotel was also interesting, exhausting. It was much later than expected and phones don't like high buildings so we had to do it the old fashioned way via the street maps. An exercise in orienteering dark streets. It was wonderful to sit down after quite a walk - had I known the walking itinerary for the next day I just may have packed my new trainers! 

What a gorgeous day it was, cool sunshine and surprises. Where to start. Anyone who's ever travelled with me knows about the hangry me so it was a big breakfast at the local Wetherspoons; cheap, cheerful and plentiful with an okay coffee. There was also the odd snack in my bag, just in case. My guide knows London very well so regaled me with the histories of the places we visited, histories from the distant and recent pasts. 

First stop was a place I'd never been - St Katharine Docks Marina, the home of one of the Queen's boats and the Dickens Inn. The famous flowers were on their last legs as autumn approaches, although still a wonderful display. Eleven centuries of history are a bit much to cover here so the website is above. It was the perfect place to take someone like me who loves boats although walking past the Tower first was a topic for conversation - my 4 year old 'why?' came out until we arrived in the sunlit marina. 

The first thing I noticed was how peaceful the area was, quite a change from the roads and city noises on the walk there. The benches in the sun were really tempting, the moving on had to happen although I got a call in from the red phone box and some boat envy while enjoying the feel and history of the place. 

One thing I love to do is offer to take photos of people, especially when there's two or more trying to get in. Folks do tend to hand this middle aged grandma their cameras and phones - I must look trustworthy! The two lovely ladies appreciated the help and offered to return the favour so I gratefully accepted. I enjoy the small chats I have with people. Some notice I have a different accent and do the guessing thing, some seem to want to talk to someone other than their travelling companion, others find a point of connection, some see their kids smiling and smile back (middle aged grandmas have grandma written in their smile and kids know this). Some look at me like I'm a bit odd - well maybe! 

There's a such a difference wandering looking and wandering with someone who knows the place, the history and has personal stories. My travel companion has stories aplenty with a keen interest in history and knowledge of the city. Also knowledge of places I can't go on my own, like the Union Jack Club. I was very ready for a stop, a loo and a cold cider. As a bonus I got chatting with the folks seated at the next table and met Dr Cath Arnold, a renowned author and researcher in my field. What a treat to discuss her work, having read her books and shared her knowledge with others. She was on her way to a conference dinner with others in our field, names I could nod to. We've got each others contact details so will keep in touch. 

Wandering along the South Bank is always great for people watching, and people were out in force on this sunny Saturday. One thing I've really noticed is just how many people there are here, how crowded places are. Take the Borough Market. Last time I visited, admittedly in winter, I could pause and browse. Not so on this visit. People pushing and queueing and wandering eating and drinking didn't make for a pleasant time so it was a quick stop. 

I always thought the Globe Theatre was really the original - not so it seems. There is a spot quite near where the original stood and it was great to read the plaques and learn more. Wandering past the Eye and over to the other side we arrived at Covent Garden to enjoy some street performances and a quiet lunch in a church garden. Then it was tube time and a trip to the closest station to the hotel, evidently not the one we got off at the evening before. I was completely exhausted so found a dinner place close by, the very best Spanish tapas and paella with a Spanish red at Barcelona Tapas and Bar. The service was excellent too. A treat for us after a long day. 

St Katharine's Marina

The Dickens famous flowers

ET phone home

Tower Bridge 

The Tower from South Bank