After a brilliant nights sleep in my comfy bed, I woke early (around 4.30am) and decided to get the blog done from yesterday before heading out for a walk.
The scenery is incredibly picturesque and a early morning stroll around the field backing on to Ian and Paul’s house is the perfect walking track for me today. I see hares and their burrows, birds of prey circling the wide open field and of course an incredible sunrise.

Its so peacefully stunning as I make my way around the area, and when I find my way back to the garden gate, I decide to head inside, for some breakfast and a coffee.
I’ve beaten everyone up and so as I am having my toast I see a new face join me in the kitchen each half hour or so.
I of course have the gorgeous Henry and George to keep me company and make me feel guilty for not sharing my crusts with them. Henry even rests his head on my lap! So cute.
Ian comes through first and brings in the milk delivery. I can’t believe that still happens. Especially as it’s in glass bottles. I remember that from my younger years in the early 80s happening in Sydney. But not for long after.

As everyone has done their necessary morning rituals we make a beeline for the Andover train station. It’s about 15kms from where we’re staying so Paul offers to drive us.
We actually have no idea that the train system was so expensive here. A quick hour long journey is going to set us back £39 which is about AUD$65. The equivalent journey where I live into Sydney might set you back $10.

Its amazing sights as we make our way through the landscapes of the English countryside through to the modern and traditional buildings of the city.

Its on approach to Waterloo station that I get my first glimpse of the London Eye. It’s on the bucket list. I look forward to enjoying a ride on there either today or another.
The weather is spectacular and is just perfect for a day out in the city. We have planned to find a SIM card supplier that we can use across multiple countries as well as do a hop on hop off bus tour.

We navigate our way to an area dad thought we needed to go. Seems his sense of direction in London is off kilter. So we circle the same place a couple of times before I suggest that it’s time that we jump on the bus before the day gets too crazy.
We find out some interesting facts about why shops have a golden coat of arms on their building (just so you know it’s because a member of the Royal family has shopped there 5 years in a row). We weaved in and out of the city and finally arrived at Buckingham Palace to be told that if the Union Jack flag is flying on the building , then the royal Family isn’t in residence. I look up to see the “Royal Standard” flag is up. Just to know that the Queen was there was a bit cool!
The place is a buzz with wedding fever, and the front of the palace was starting to look like the crowd from the races. With fascinators and suits everywhere. We later found out that today was the Queens ‘Garden Party’.

You can tell a certain excitement in the air. That’s for sure.
On our way back to the bus I stop with a couple of policeman for a quick picture. The sight of their uniforms as iconic as the building they protect.

By now we’ve worked up quite the apppetite. So we hop on the bus to find out how fortunate we were to arrive when we did. Because of the garden party, this would be the last bus through this road to the Palace. Phew.
There were so many things to see and hear about on the tour. The pre-recorded voice was ok to listen to, however I think after past experiences I’d prefer a live guide. Someone who knows the city cause it’s their own. I take a mental note for future reference.
Now dad is really on a mission to find this phone shop. We get lost once more, before I take charge. Now my sense of direction is terrible, but today I found us where we need to be, so now we’re on route we stop at a pub, The Lamb & Flag, in the back streets of Covent Garden. It boasts its heritage as the oldest pub in the area , as well as the common watering hole of Charles Dickens.
As we enter the pub I notice the bar and tables and covered in plaques. I’m told (well I eavesdropped) that if you drink there everyday for 3 years, you can have your very own plaque too.

We really do think we’re on our way now, but dads lost us in China Town. It doesn’t take much to have him relinquish control of the directions and finally find the mobile shop, get him connected to a SIM card and look of calm comes upon his face.

We then make our way to Soho. I am familiar with this name having been to New York City that over there it stands for ‘South of Houston St’. It seems that over here it’s the LBGT district so really can only stand for “So Homosexual”! It’s great to be in this iconic area with my gay dad. We choose a coffee shop and sit in a perfect people watching spot. I quickly say hi to the guy next to me who’s sipping coffee on his own. I want to make sure the coffee is good. Us Australians know good coffee. He’s so kind, compliments the coffee and even offers for me to try his before I order one.
We get to chatting over the good coffee that arrives relatively quickly and watch the passing trade. So let’s call my new friend George. We very quickly hit it off, we both share a love of meeting new people and being out and about. He tells me about his life and his job. Unfortunately I can’t talk about what he does for work, but I can tell you it’s MIGHTY impressive. But even more impressive was his family values and such an interesting life story. Now a proud gay man with 2 daughters, about to visit Cancun and NYC, and when quizzed about Australia, seems that just might be on the list.
He says how comfortable he is chatting and sharing his stories, and it seems we are kindred spirits. We exchange numbers and an offer of your guises exchanged both ways. THIS is what traveling is all about!
George insists on covering the bill and leaves to get ready for a big day at the office tomorrow, and we farewell our new friend. It won’t be the last time we spend time together I reckon. I may have called him my spirit animal.

Its already nearly dinner time, so we hear from our beautiful hosts who are making sure what’s happening for dinner. Dad and I decide to stay in the city for a bit longer, because the weather is incredible and being on the London Eye on a night like tonight would be perfect.
We head for a walk down to South Bank where it’s a restaurant district and home to the London Eye.

As we get closer we realize it’s closed. Seems it shuts at 6pm so it can host functions and the like. Such a shame but not the last time we’ll be in the city.
We grab a bite to eat at an Italian restaurant called Strada which is incredibly busy. But the food arrives quickly.
We make our way back to the station and jump on the train on the way home and are picked up by the lovely Ian.
We regail Ian and Paul of our stories over a night cap. And because I’m about to fall asleep sitting up again, it’s definitely time to retire.
What a great day!