Arrived on a flight from Charlotte, NC, a tad early and with some sleep as the plane wasn't full so we could stretch over a couple of seats. We took a bus to our B&B--the hosts are fine. Our first task was to get an Oyster card which allows unlimited travel by bus or tube. We always try to sit on the top level in the two front seats. We spent some time wandering around Trafalgar Square--lots of buskers. We visited Leicester Square looking for discounted show tickets. Saw a bus that had "If you wouldn't eat your dog, why eat turkey? Go vegan!". I thought: dog, turkey, dog, turkey--seems like a no-brainer! Also there was a demonstration against bombing Syria which caused our bus to take a diversion, read detour. There would be vote tomorrow night which would be pro bombing and so it goes--the bombing would start on December 2nd. We had a lovely dinner at St. Martin in the Fields. Who could have known how much I like custard on dessert.
We took a ride on the London Eye which is spectacular. Visited some parts of the Tate Modern. I just don't get modern art! I think that I need Grant to give me a tutorial. We had hoped for a guided tour but the guide didn't show up. There was a lovely Christmas market nearby. We walked to buy Sheryl some tea at Twinings of London--tasted some delicious tea with lavender in it. The tea was made using boiling water from a tap. Seemed like a great way to scald oneself.
Shows: First "Sunny Afternoon" which was a musical about the "Kinks" who I didn't remember but George knew most of the songs. A couple of women sitting next to us and in fact, the whole theatre loved the music. Our seat mates told us that the story line fit what happened to the group. Very talented group.
Second "Cats"--amazing. Could be the best musical we have ever seen. The dancing was superb and the music and singing was great. The orchestra was perfect. We loved every minute of it.
Third--"The Illusionists" which was right up my alley. What amazing talented people. Everything was done with a camera transmitting it to a large screen. One fellow was extremely funny.
Had a great guide at the Victoria and Albert museum. The guide quoted Prince Albert as saying that happy people are easier to rule. I wondered if Mr. Trudeau would agree with that. The guide inspired us to consider training to become guides when we settle in Ottawa again. He is a retired architect and was so passionate about the museum. He pointed out how the museum puts old and new art side by side. There is a gallery which is cast courts which contains copies of wonderful sculptures from places all over Europe. Students could study them without having the expense of travelling to the different places. Of course, Michelangelo's David was there. There was a sculpture of a mother breastfeeding her baby. What a marvelous place! We had coffee at a cafe which we entered through the garden. The eating rooms were magnificent. Also tried some pistachio cake which I wouldn't recommend.
The Lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar square happened on Thursday. The tree had been cut and sent from Norway. London is very dressed up for Christmas all the trees seem huge. It is a tad windy this evening.
Moved to a different B&B. This one is more rustic. George went to the Churchill War Rooms and Museum and was pumped when we met up again. I went to the National Gallery. Monet's painting are so amazing. We had coffee in the cafe and chatted with Claire and Brienne on facetime.
Our Oyster cards make travelling around so simple and easy. We still walk lots but it is great to just flash our cards are ride merrily along. On our last day, we attended a service at Westminster Abbey, wandered through a few markets and briefly visited the Portrait Museum. Most museums have free admission so it feels OK to spend a short time and get a brief look.
So an hour by coach to the airport and then on to Mauritius. London is a wonderful, people filled place--great to be there.
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