London Town

Easy flight over from Belfast on a lovely and roomy British Airways plane. Did have to circle for 10 minutes before landing but that is nearly always the case for Heathrow. Coughed up $'s for the Heathrow Express (always do).

In 15 minutes I was disembarking at Paddington Station.

Walked over to the Underground where I added pounds to my Oyster Card. The one I purchased 2 years ago and kept for the obvious reasons.

After a bit of misdirection because of repair to one of the Underground lines made my way to the Hammersmith Line and waited.  I too was amused only it was the choice of attire that brought a smile to my face. If he only knew. 

Rain had been predicted and I had yet to see it until I disembarked at the Royal Oak tube station. As I walked the two blocks to Ciaran's apartment the drizzle began.  Didn't deter these two young woman though.

Climbed the three flights of stairs (just like home in LA) to enter Ciaran and Edson's apartment. Edson and I chatted as I unpacked and then I said, "I'm off." A bit peckish I'd decided to surprise Ciaran at his restaurant, the ClockJack Oven in SoHo. Killed two birds with one stone. Late lunch and getting to see Ciaran's pride and joy.

The place is lovely, the meal was great.  It's all about rotisserie chicken. That's Ciaran waving.

Sated, I was off to enjoy the energy of London. Across from the restaurant is a Whole Foods grocery store which I thought I'd check out. There was a very interesting passage way to the entrance. I see you. Do you see me?

Halloween fun.

 For those that don't know I will be attending the SF 49ers Football game at Wembley Stadium. The NFL began pushing American Football in the UK a few years back. It generated interest and the popularity is HUGE. They held a fan day at Trafalgar Square and as I wandered found UK fans galore I found proof. 

Part of my jaunt included Chinatown which I hadn't visited in years. Great fun.

And ever the Location Scout discovered a great alley for a dead body.

My destination for the day was the venerable Red Lion on Whitehall. Years ago on a trip with Peggy and her sister Maureen a tradition was establish. On each subsequent visit the first pint had to be drunken (is this the proper tense) here.

I've kept the tradition going each and every return.  In route, images to share.

With a bullet??!! LOL!

Look who's back?

Art shot

Tourists

Behind the National Gallery

A lion at Trafalgar Square surrounded by the remnants of the NFL Fan day celebration.

Whitehall.  The sign for the Red Lion is to the left of the double decker. But,

I wanted to walk along the Thames so I made a left.

Snap

Oh look that Big Wheelie Thing!

Always a brilliant back drop for a travel photo.

As if the Gods knew it was the cocktail hour, the famous clock tower chimed 6pm as I approached!!  Brilliant!!! 

Hi

Cheers. 

Sorry about the blur. iPhoto snap.

CSI Students?!?

And thus my first day in London came to a close.