Toby went to work. Isobel had more plans. She had mapped out a route that showed me around and also took us where she needed to go.
We walked of course. Across Vauxhall Bridge and along the embankment towards the city, past the fabulous views of Westminster and alongside the London eye, along our old stamping ground of '86 near the Southbank Centre and across Waterloo Bridge to the city.
I enjoyed seeing familiar views. I have only been in this part of the world once before. In '86 Paul and I came with the boys for around four months. Ben was 10, Toby 8 and Luke 5. We bought a VW Kombi ( of course) and it was our accommodation and transport around England and Western Europe from mid August to Mid November. We spend the last week or so on Belvedere Road outside the Southbank Centre along with lots of other Antipodeans, selling our van and preparing to fly out. So intrepid!
Isobel and I did not go to the Centre to use the loos! as in times gone by. We headed for Convent Garden Market where Isobel had an errand to do. Job done, we got to some serious wandering.
We visited Fortnum & Mason - the men at the tea counter in full morning dress. So many fabulous teas, caddies, biscuits etc. I bought a box of the 1/2 priced mini cupcakes (day before's) that we have enjoyed, but they actually weren't a patch on the ones from 10cc in Masterton ;)
We had a bite then walked up Piccadilly alongside Green Park to see the New Zealand and Australian War Memorials at Hyde Park Corner. I was impressed and moved by both. The New Zealand one is very evocative - the inscriptions and little sculptures added to the columns convey a great deal. The Australian memorial uses a clever device. It has Australian place names inscribed all over but the font is bolded in places so that when you stand back the names of the battlefields are seen. It works brilliantly.
From there we moved across to Buckingham Palace via Constitution Hill. The guards were at their posts, as were the machine gun armed police but the Queen did not put in an appearance.
We headed past the Royal Mews towards Belgrave House, one of the homes of Google London where we scooped up Toby and then took his usual route home - about a 10 - 12 minute walk.
Isobel's wrist device indicated we had traversed more than 12 kilometres. When I sat down it felt like it. Shamefully I hit the wall and my eyes dropped shut before dinner. I thought I'd done pretty well though for one day off that journey. Adjustment has been pretty straightforward. And I woke up to eat!
Thanks again to my wonderful and very knowledgeable guide. I recommend the service.
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