With the necessary tasks completed in Chard, the Old Pharts have three days in London, before commencing their journey home. They have the pleasure of staying with old Kiwi friends Shaun and Michelle, at their wonderful home in Queens Park.
After a delightful dinner and catch up, the intrepid couple are meeting up with another old friend, Marianne. She is married to Blair’s old pharmacy friend Niven, who is away on a work conference. Marianne is a qualified “Blue Ribbon” tour guide. We meet at Liverpool St station, and she gives us a walking tour around the City of London, finishing at St Paul’s. Very educational.
We dined that evening at the Milk Beach restaurant, just around the corner in Lonsdale Road, Queens Park. Dumplings for starters, then Sue had the Saffron Risetto, and myself the Chicken Schnitzel. Very nice.
Our second to last day in London and England, and we decided to visit the redeveloped Battersea Power station area. The former power station was derelict for many years, but is now a shopping centre, surrounded by restaurants and apartments. A stunning transformation! We then walked along the Battersea Park and Thames river, and across the Albert Bridge into Chelsea. Along Kings Road, through Sloane Square, Eton Square, Grosvenor Square and into Hyde Park. We then walked down Piccadilly to the Circus, jumped on the tube and back to Queens Park. Quite an excursion!
For their final day in London, the Kiwi Battlers decided to check out Little Venice, Regents Park and Primrose Hill. We decided to walk it, as it wasn’t too far, but take the tube back. The weather has been pleasant in London, and it has been an enjoyable three days. We are grateful to Shaun and Michelle for their hospitality, and had a nice dinner at the local Bob’s Cafe last night.
And so, the time has come to depart England. We fly to Dubai, for a two day stopover, then back home.