Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Last day in London. Slept in. No really, slept in. 8am after nodding off at 7pm. You'd think I was tired or something. Can only imagine I'd still be asleep if we done the 12 mile hike. Still feel like a wonk for not bringing the itinerary along with me. Poor fellow waited an hour for us. So I've learned a few BIG things on this trip.  One, ALWAYS bring the cell phone and ALWAYS print out your itinerary before you leave home.  You'd think this was my first time traveling. Sigh.

Totally remiss at posting of pics and apologize.  Will get some up later today. We are off shortly to Camden Market to people watch.

Senior Moment

We were at Waterloo Station this morning early. Had some coffee as we waited to meet up with our guide.  Can't tell you why I thought we were to meet to him underneath the big clock and Pat thought he'd be wearing a light blue coat. Would have helped if I'd re-read his email last night but didn't, nor did I have a copy of it to take with me...pathetic, simply pathetic! LONG story short, never met our guide. Never got to Stonehenge. Never took the hike.

Bloody Hell

Cheerio oh one and all.  Apologize for my tardiness in posting but this time it is due to the fact Paris Hilton's father insisted on charging for wifi in his hotels. Wanker. Really, about $25 per day.  He must earmark it for his daughter's bail.

To avoid crowds the last few days we've stayed away from spots where Obama might be. Rain hit yesterday so we did museums and Harrod's.  Still cloudy and grey but can see blue skies as well.  We left the Hilton at 8:30am this morning and took a taxi to our LOVELY flat I found via the Airbnb website.  This place is fabulous AND has wifi so we are both catching up on emails.

I used the title Bloody Hell because on Tuesday I made the mistake of trying to run across the Tower Bridge at rush hour and was struck by a cyclist.  Cyclist was uninjured.  I, on the other hand, left blood and skin from one elbow and one knee on the road.  I'm sure it's on youtube.  Simply type in "Tower Bridge, chubby 60 year old, crash with bicyclist."  Trying to crawl from the road to the sidewalk was the best part.

It's been 72 hours. Knee and thigh a tad sore and still can't raise my left arm above my shoulder but scabs have formed. Pat's description of the sounds I made as I hit the ground and slid to a stop are hilarious.

Not keeping me from the 12 mile hike tomorrow. However, return to the states most likely on a stretcher.

More later.....

UK

Back in London. Nice flight. Slept again. Saw Ireland from my window seat. Landed and had to be bused to the terminal. Not unusual at Heathrow. Breezed through customs and passport control. Maggie and I said our goodbyes as she was taking a bus back home. Took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and then a taxi to my new digs in Camden.  Here right now after exploring London since early this morning. Watching Inspector Morse on the tube while I'm uploading photos. Couldn't use the Jubilee line as it's under repair. Each weekend one of the lines is affected as the Brits prepare for the Olympics next year. So I took a bus and got off when I wanted.  Wound up near Hyde Park. Meandered. Weather sunny with some strong breezes on and off. Lovely to be back in this great town. Pat arrives tomorrow for his first visit.

If you look closely you'll see my initials.

The street where my room is for last night and today.

Where I had breakfast this morning.

Out for a stroll.

Art shot Hyde Park.

Watching ducks.

Each to their own.

Ready to ride.

Stretching.

Football 

Guess what building this is?

So you say.

Sunday mass.

Carnaby Street before the shops opened.

Fashionista or so she thinks.

God Save The Queen

A bit rash I think.

Truth in advertising.

Did I mention the weather?

Will STILL Rules!

Walking from the Camden Lock

Out and about by bike and boat.

Laundry day.

Path up Primrose Hill in Regent's Park

Stellar view at the top.

Lazy sot.

Waiting for the match to begin.

Bye Bye Love

It's 8am. Taxi to the airport at 11:30am. Flight on British Air at 1:55pm.

Arrive London Heathrow at 4:05pm. New digs by 5:30-6pm. Pub by 7pm.

A girl has got to have a plan!

Dawn was lovely this morning.

This trip has been an eyeopener in so many ways. All positive. Sad that far too many yanks have NO clue about this country. It's a wonderful place.

Exotic, stable, an archeological wonder, a gastronomes delight, but most of all comfortable. As Mert noted, Turks do not say good bye. "See you in the future" is the departing phrase. A thought I'm taking to heart.

The People