Saturday night also gave us the chance to spend time with Charles and Karen’s two children, Jake and Katie, now very much adults, and it was a delight to get to know them over a delicious meal of take away Indian delicacies and red wine. This was our first sample of take away food in the UK and apart from the questionable ‘salad bags’ we enjoyed it.
Sunday also marked Karen’s birthday and we were sadly lacking in the gift department. The best we could offer was a big hug and our company, slack really. Always a relaxed affair we enjoyed breakfast with the family before gathering our bags and leaving with another cousin Jenny and her husband Pete who had kindly offered to take us to Crewe station to catch the connecting train to London. With the rain accompanying us all the way, we arrived with plenty of instructions and helpful advice to use once in the city. Naturally we had to send a photo to Carol and Zac back home of the Crewe railway sign.
The two and half hour train journey was smooth and comfortable. Somehow we had inadvertently managed to get first class tickets hence a crowded, but quiet and uninterrupted trip for us. Disembarking at London Euston we were met by a throng of hundreds of commuters going in the opposite direction. Wall to wall of faces, cases and the longest line to use the ladies I have ever seen. Didn’t help that a group of made up Yankie dolls were putting their hair in curlers in the bathroom. Between them they must have bought out the makeup up section of their local department store, seriously a lot of effort going on in that group. Despite warnings from all around, we navigated our way through another two train interchanges and managed to find our hotel. Pleased with the Greenwich location and room with a view, we found the bar and proceeded to plan the next 24 hours. With daylight still with us, we decided to venture out and found the clipper (fast) ferry to London Tower Bridge. Momentarily, confusing this beautiful landmark for London Bridge we were then disappointed by the main London Bridge in comparison. The Tower Bridge, is a treat to the eye and we enjoyed a slow walk over it and back. Turns out there is a tour, so we will look at fitting that into our schedule too. Tower bridge is located right next to Tower of London and we are looking forward to our tour on Thursday.
Right now, on a balmy Sunday evening, we are again sitting in the bar of our Hilton hotel, rather swish for our usual standards, and despite aching feet and disgruntled hips, the Long Island ice tea and Makers Mark are going down a smoothly as warm custard. We, no doubt, look like weary travellers, and can’t compete with the US party going on the corner of the room.
Monday dawned with bright skies and increased temperatures as promised by the weather bureau. Our day’s plan was quite sketchy apart from a definite visit to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. After a breakfast, discounted thanks to a gifted voucher from Rouge Cafe, we set out towards the Observatory, which from the Royal Park stands high on the hill. From here, the standard was set and walking was going to be a big part of our day. Having finally reached the top of the steep accent we were greeted by hundreds of tourists, milling about waiting for the gates to open. What a sight! Pushing and shoving was in ample supply and a few tempers flared along the way. The Observatory was originally built in 1675 and the first astronomer Royal John Flamsteed laid the foundation stone. He moved in a year later with two servants and began his endeavours to understand time, navigation and the stars. It was not until 1884 that the Prime Meridian was defined by Transit Circle telescope at the Royal Observatory which was built by Sir George Biddell Airy, the 7th Astronomer Royal in 1850. The cross-hairs pin the eye piece of the telescope precisely defined Longitude 0 degrees for the world. The Observatory provides a spectacular history and displays many of the pieces of equipment methodically created over years in order to study navigation, timekeeping, and determination of star positions.
For tourists such as us, the technical aspects of the tools and discoveries made during the last few hundred years go beyond our understanding, but it does not stop us from appreciating the dedication, craftsmanship and long serving patience the many men and a few women had, in order to achieve these essential discoveries.
If not for the throng of tourists we would have enjoyed this experience more, but the warm conditions and the jostling and poor manners became frustrating after a while. At one point a self obsessed tourist received a stern serving from Daryl and a young man copped the sharper end of my tongue a bit later as he tried to push through a space that did not exist.
Leaving the Observatory we enjoyed a stroll through the tree lined park, stopping off at the Queens House on our way to the Greenwich Pier to make our way to Westminster.
Well, if we thought the crowds were thick at the Observatory, we were in for a rude shock once we disembarked from our river taxi. Thousands of people filled the stairs to exit and enter the Westminster area. Street sellers were shouting their wares, always on sale, and it was hard to keep sight of Daryl at times. Moving through we were disappointed to see Big Ben covered in scaffolding, as is much of Westminster Abby. Regardless they are most spectacular pieces of architecture. Feeling hungry we continued walking, through the masses, passed the array of monuments until it got a bit quieter and we found a quaint little pub in a side street. Miraculously it was air conditioned and we were given the last available table, located in the tiny corner of the pub, known as the confessional! Getting our bearings, along with some food and drink, we were then ready for our next phase.
And then we walked and walked and walked some more. To Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square (where we bought tickets to a show tomorrow night), The Twinings Tea House and museum (turns out white tea is a thing and I enjoyed its delicate flavour), watched the London Eye go around, very slowly, and a street performer woo the crowd with humour and style. The LEGO plaza and M&M shop made us curious but not inspired to pay the entry fee.
After the worst coffee/tea ( which I returned due to curdled milk) in a loud cafe, next to the tea shop we walked some more, finally finding the Blackfriars Pier, where we waited and waited a waited some more. Seems the river taxi missed our stop so instead of catching the 5.20 we waited for the 5.50 service. With a bladder ready to burst I boarded and headed straight for the ladies, which off course were closed, as was the disabled and men’s - turns out they ran out of water! We were headed for Greenwich North to ride the Emirates cable car, so figured I would cope until then - its was only 30 minutes away. Walking as quickly as my chunky little legs would carry me, we arrived at the cable car and anxiously asked about their bathrooms, to be informed they didn't have any! Are you serious? Did they not realise I have born six children and my bladder can only last so long.....aarrggghhhh. The staffer advised me that I could have gone to the cafe, but they were closed and then most helpfully continued by informing me that the museum would also have toilets but guess what? they were also closed. Not helpful my friend, not at all.
Squeezing a little tighter we boarded the cabin and I tried to distract myself with the view. Seems Daryl is less than thrilled with cable car rides and found the experience less than exhilarating - I had no idea.. ooops this ride definitely had a few challenges, luckily it was not too long but it was quite high, flying around 90 metres above the ground. The ride did give us a birds eye view of the city and it was quite spectacular with the afternoon sun glistening on the buildings below. With views to the Royal Observatory, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Foot Tunnel, the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf, The Gherkin, Wembley stadium, The O2, Olympic stadium, ArcelorMittal Orbit, The River Lea, The Crystal, SS Robin, ExCel London, Royal docks, London City Airport, Lyle’s Golden Syrup Factory, Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the Thames barrier we were able to enjoy this interesting city from a different perspective. Of note, painted on a shed roof was a marriage proposal to Lauren from 79 year old Ralph, I do wonder if she said yes, I hope so. How Romantic.
Alighting from our sky high ride, we made a dash for the river taxi that was rocketing towards the pier. The river taxis travel at 40 mile an hour so we need to get moving, never an easy task for me. Daryl ran ahead and they begrudgingly held the boat for an extra minute while I hobbled up. By now my need for the toilet was increasing, so again headed straight for the facilities, which again were out of use. Slightly fuming I was very glad it was only a short ride to a Greenwich. Finding the nearest restaurant, we bought drinks so I could pee!
The restaurant named Zizzi turned out to be drinks, entree and dinner with a magnificent view. We watched the sun setting over the river Thames and enjoyed a drop in the temperature. Planning for tomorrow is now in full swing, but I suspect after a few more drinks we will start again over breakfast tomorrow.
Until next time,
N
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