Off again today with a full agenda. Tubed into London from Acton Town where the girls live, about a half hour, getting off at Green Park. Wandered our way through the park, winding up at Canada Gate and the Canada Monument. Beautiful. Then across the broad street to Buckingham Palace, to see the Queen. Sadly she was not available, but it was her loss not ours. Saw the guards with their big hats, very picturesque and full of tradition. Also, city police with submachine guns on display, not so picturesque but unfortunately it is becoming the new tradition. Then around and about the city to Westminister Abbey, Parliament and Big Ben, along the Thames by the London Eye, and eventually into The City (the financial district). A long walk, about six hours with all the stopping and picture-taking and lunch. Jan and I hit a personal best, with something in excess of 400 pictures and four movies. Some would consider that to be too many pictures, but we know that we will remember this time better with the help of the images and movies. For example, just a couple of weeks ago we went through Sudbury, Ontario. Now how exciting is that?? But we can hardly remember it now in spite of it being culturally and historically at least the equivalent of London. KIDDING!!! But when we look at the shots we took there, it all comes back to us like a bad movie. Too bad we didn't have a way to capture the smells as well as the sights. On the other hand, reviewing the pictures from our time in London with the girls and our friends will be a real pleasure.
The walk eventually led us to The Pavillion at Finsbury Circus. We met Hugh and Melanie there, and Tara and Leanne and her friend Vic joined us shortly after. We had a wonderful evening, with way too much wine and food. But, hey, my motto has always been 'Excess in all things, moderation is for monks'. Last night was absolutely an exercise in excess, but we had a wonderful time doing it and on reflection I wouldn't have done it differently. In spite of a super-sized hangover and upset stomach for both Jan and I the next day. I'm out of training compared to the Rugby days, and I had better stay that way.
