London Christmas with Ian

The trip across from Bermuda was uneventful, though I did get bumped up to World Class plus! And our flight left late but we had tail winds so arrived pretty well on time. Catching the train at Gatwick was a little chaotic as they kept changing the platforms that my train was on - lugging 23kg up and down stairs is not my idea of fun in peak hour rush, but I eventually got off at the correct station for Ian's office and met up with him. He is near Moorgate, so I wandered past the Barbican, along the London Wall, past St Paul's and eventually crossed to the Tate Modern along Blackfriars bridge. As I initially turned the wrong way, I found a fabulous jewellery exhibition in the Oxo building. Luckily there were so many nice pieces that I didn't choose any.

I forget, until I am there, just how vast the Tate Modern is! In the main entrance hall, there was an interactive piece with moving lights, music and numerous people lying around! I skipped it, as I feared that I might lie down and not wake up! I spent some time in the permanent exhibitions as well as resting my feet, on the very comfortable seats they have.

I crossed at the Millenium bridge and had a great view of St Paul's and Christmas tree. I was quite amazed at how empty the river was and how many people were walking along the bed of the river.

When I met up with Ian we made our way to our AirBnB which is a bottom floor apartment with 2 separate bedrooms, a tiny bathroom and a very adequate lounge kitchen area. The beds are comfortable and the heating is good (though we discovered today that the oven doesn't work- but that is another story!)  the apartment is in Fulham, about 4 bus stops away from Hammersmith Tube Station so is well positioned! Supper was at the local pub!

On Thursday, Ian ran to work, only 7miles and I got up rather laisurely and made my way to Trafalgar Square and ate my lunch while sitting on the stairs after wandering the National Portrait Museum and doing mainly window shopping. I certainly didn't join the queue at the Lego shop or Hamleys!

There were numerous street artists in Trafalgar including a few Father Christmas, Yodi and Death balancing on an arm with feet not touching! Also a few chalk artists and singers!

In the evening Ian and I dined on mussels at Belgo and then went to see 'The Play that goes Wrong' which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was in the Covent Garden area  so we wandered the area before the show. Lots of people enjoying the pubs and restaurants!

On Friday, Ian ran in again and I spent my time in and around Oxford and Regent Streets with a stop in the Photographers' Gallery. It was showing a female avant garde exhibition which was fascinating albeit a bit disturbing. Ian treated me to a massage with his therapist which was exceptionally good. We had supper at Bone Daddies, which is a Japanese chain, owned by a friend's son and thoroughly enjoyed that experience. Cinderella was great fun with  lots of repartee and beautiful costumes. Having watched quite a lot of BBC TV, many of the actors and quips were well known.

Ian ran along the Thames path on Saturday morning and was treated to a beautiful sunrise.

We made our way to Hyde Park through the museum district, which was closed, passed  the Serpentine and to the Winter wonderland and enjoyed an 'old lady's ride' on the wheel! I do not enjoy being thrown around at speed!.

Selfie at the bottom!

A view of part of the fairgrounds!

One of the rides!

We were rather pleased that we had gone over the lunch period as the crowds were streaming in late afternoon, probably after shopping till they dropped! And we headed home for a quiet supper and evening in.

Christmas Day dawned with a bit of blue sky, temperatures actually in the early teens but a rather nippy wind. We went for a walk on the Thames Path and I realised that I was in this area when I stayed with David in 2007, as we are near the boat houses of many of the big rowing clubs. Lunch preparation didn't go as planned as we discovered that the oven had fused out! So 'n boer maak 'n plan! And we cooked our ham, sweet potatoes, veggies etc on the hob! Was delicious. As I have been battling a bit with sore ankles, probably due to overuse, Ian went out on his own, before we finished lunch with our pudding!

Boxing Day dawned fair and cold and Ian started the day with a workout and run and we made our way to the Southbank. First stop was the London Dungeons which was fun and suitably scary - I made up for my lack of rides at the fun fare as there were a couple in the tour! When we came out we were treated to a lovely sunset over Westminster and Big Ben at 16:00 which was a bit strange for me. It was fun to walk along the Thames and then people watch while we had supper. The only downside was that I took a tumble as I didn't realise that I was on the edge of the pavement when I stepped out of the way of some of the crowd. The good thing is that I didn't break any bones, but, my left calf muscle is objecting violently today! 

Despite this setback, we both enjoyed Bianco which is a circus show without any animals and some amazing aerial displays. Both of us enjoyed watching the human counterweights climbing up and down the gantries almost as much as the main acts themselves.

We are packing up today and will go into South Kensington to a museum or two and then will part!!! 

Rather sad as it has been a fabulous trip.

Hope you all keep well into the New Year

Maureen