A huge storm had been predicted to hit London the night before. It did hit the South Coast and cost some lives and caused property damage. In London it fizzled and drizzled.
Tuesday, October 28th, London, United Kingdom
What Storm?
Definitely Fall here. Gotten to their place early so I wandered.
That leaf was huge. The size of a plate. Collected the leaf "bouquet" for Kelly.
From their apartment we walked through Butler's Wharf over to Tower Bridge.
Their rental was inside the building on the right.
Selfie.
Tower Bridge. We came up the steps right where I was hit by a bicyclist in 2011. I swear I could still see the blood from my knee where I'd splattered on the pavement. The blame for that collision was all mine. Didn't see him and darted across the street. Thankfully he wasn't injured.
Now it's an amusing memory of my stupidity. Full disclosure: only lost a wee bit of blood and skin but damn the landing was hard.
The view of the Beehive (City Hall) and the Shard from the bridge.
Blue skies were turning.
The view opposite the Beehive, is the Tower of London and the Gerkin.
The British media have a lovely way of naming new construction.
The Gerkin isn't that new but it's construction might have begun the media's infatuation with nick naming modern architecture. Or maybe it was the Lloyd's ofLondon building. Who knows? Believe the Gerkin is an office building. This day our visual guide as we were headed over that way in route to Leadenhall Market. We took a bet and think the press will deem the building in the foreground, the one still under construction, the Cheese Grater.
They had brought a book with them. 24 walks of London. We partially followed a walk in it and discovered this sweet little church, St. Oalve's Hart Street, surrounded by skyscrapers. The gravestones in front of the church were so old couldn't make out the engraved markings. Love finding places like this!!!
Kelly is smirking. Lucky she wasn't struck by lightning. After this little gem we followed the guide through a garage and down a passageway.
We came out and discovered a very interesting neighborhood.
A selfie reflection of the wandering trio.
One side of the Lloyd's of London Building
Very intriguing bas relief.
Lloyd's of London exterior on the right and yet around the corner you'll find.
Leadenhall Market
Can you say Harry Potter?
Lunch at the Cittie of York Tavern. Fabulous place. Big Wow.
Below is the triangle furnace. Fireplace on each side. Intriguing.
We then tube to Bloomsbury, strolled shopped, enjoyed the park, admired statues of people we had no clue about, had some coffee and then were off to meet Nigel and Carol at the Black Friar pub, an art deco gem.
Incredible place. Had always wanted to see it. So pleasant to meet up with Nigel and Carol. We'd connected via the Rick Steve's Helpline and when I mentioned my visit agreed to meet up. They trained in which, given the disruptions caused by the storm, was extremely nice to do. Thankfully they got home safe and sound AND at a reasonable hour.
How I felt after a pint and a yummy calorie laden Chicken and Mushroom pie.
Happy Bear!
1 comment:
Love that Art Deco pub.
Still kick myself for not buying that leather shoulder bag (satchel?) we saw at the street market. I think it was the market I bought the scarves at. It was so smooth feeling.
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