Do What, Leave It Out, Apples & Pears!

I arrived in London around midday (after about a 50 minute flight) and after dragging my luggage onto the tube, I caught the train to Earls Court, where thankfully my hotel was just a very short walk away. My room, if you call a shoebox a room, is at least comfortable and quiet - it's just difficult getting into it. I find it easier to back in, so it is easier to leave later! Oh, the English! Still, I barely spend any time there, so it matters not the size.

Met my friend Brian and went for a few drinks at Covent Gardens - the weather was beautiful (I really have been lucky all trip there!). We were later joined by his Australian friends from Sky (Shelly and Rod) and later still, Brian's (Husband?) Enrico. It was great to catch up and later we went for a burger on Tottenham Court Road (very near where I stayed back in 1989) - how gourmet!

Friday morning I was out the door as fast as I could squeeze myself and headed for the tube. Went to the London Eye (the big wheel) first to avoid any crowds and while the weather was still perfect. Got on just about straight away and enjoyed the 30 minute "flight" around London. A great view and gives you an idea what it will be like when the Melbourne Docklands one is built (though you probably won't be able to see Big Ben from that one!).

From there it was on to the the Houses Of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower Of London and Tower Bridge. After that, I just couldn't resist taking one of my favorite "hop-on, hop-off" loop tours, which filled in the bits I had missed so far, including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and Downing Street.

All that sightseeing made me thirsty, so after a crowded tube ride back to Earls Court (I did choose to travel at 6pm!), I found a nearby pub and had a couple of Bulmer's Ciders (this pub will be showing the Australia v England match too, so I will be watching from there before making my way to the airport and flying to Singapore).

Prior to the rugby on Saturday, I plan on taking in a cruise on the Thames (the bus tour ticket can with a free river cruise, so why not?) and then perhaps a peep at the Tate Modern Gallery, which looks interesting.

My trip is nearly at a close, but there is still Singapore and I have found I can pack a lot into one day, so keep watching!