London Town

We are back from London - it was......well really really hot.  I now realise that I love air conditioning

Anyway we are back, tired and still too hot but a good time was had by all

Friday

Trip down was good.

Got to the plane station on time - checked in (using e-ticket - which are just the same as regular ones - just a machine prints them for you rather than a person.  Went through to go to  the lounge - walked past it, went through security, (set of the alarms) went back to the lounge sat  and ate a lot of their food and tried to drink all of their ginger ale (I failed but did make a substantial dent in their supplies.  Went though security again (did not set off the alarm this time) then had to use the facilities before getting on the plane - because of all the ginger ale

Flight was largely uneventful

Mad dogs and Limo drivers go out....well when ever they want really

Was met at airport by Limo driver - who was mad, nigh on intelligible and would turn around to speak to use - almost crashing the car.  He seemed to be from Spain but that was about he last lucid thing we got from him.  There was something about 16 years 18 years, aboriginals climbing down drain pipes after changing their jumpers and calling the police.  As mad as that sounds it is all true !!!

Cumberland Hotel

Checked in to our very nice - modern hotel the Cumberland at Marble Arch - I can recommend it - there are sculptures. lights and all kinds of cool stuff as you go in.  You also get really swish glass headboards.

Shattered as we were we ordered room service and unpacked,  I had one of the best chicken club sarnies ever followed by the best chocolate tart - very nice with some champagne and then we crashed out.

Saturday - Feeling hot hot hot

Saturday was roasting and it was only 9am.  We headed out to go for a walk and then pick up the tickets.  We walked to up to Oxford street and then headed over to Leicester square - stopping off for the odd drink.  picked up the tickets for the show and then headed off to the Tower of London

The tower was really interesting - got to see the armory (The White Tower) and the Crown Jewels display as well as a heap of other things. 

Suffering from the heat a bit we took the tube back to Marble Arch and got changed ready to go out for dinner

Roka

Theo - Robs friend had got us a table a Roka - A Japanese restaurant.  We love Japanese but I am not a huge fan if sushi.  Some is ok but too much and I am not going to be happy.  we were some what apprehensive but picked a taster menu - the one we had is not on the site but was a mixture of the one there and a lot of the other dishes that are there.  In total I think that there were about 15 things on the menu - some of which as nice (Quail, Lamb, Scallops) some of which was not (a strange buttery thing).  I will for ever love the rice hotpot with fresh truffle and the chocolate and macca cake.  You should go there if you are in London

Stomp

Next on the itinerary was STOMP.  A great concert where the musical group make instruments from a variety of house hold objects,  It sounds odd but it is one of the best shows I have ever seen.  If you are not in to joining in then you may feel a bit of a plonker when they get you to clap along but go with the flow and have a good time.   The show is very humorous despite the fact that no one actually speaks through the entire thing.  definitely a highlight of the trip

Sunday

Eye Eye

We had a whole day before we had to head home so we were up bright and early to check out and walk over to the London eye - where we had passes to get us on bright and early,  We were now somewhat sun burnt following the previous days meanderings (despite factor 50 sun cream) so slathered in more of the stuff off we headed.  The London eye is very impressive as are the bridges you cross to get there.  we picked up our tickets and it was all very organised.  we queued and were on in about 15 minutes - which is pretty good when you consider how busy the place is. 

The views from the capsule are great and you get a cracking look at a lot of the landmarks,.  It is also somewhat warm though as you are in a big glass bubble - but we survived.  the thing does not stop moving.  When you get on and off it is still going at about 1 mile per hour - but it is pretty safe.

Under the Sea

On our quest to now find some decent lunch we wondered along towards the Houses of Parliament (they look better on the HP Sauce Bottle) and noticed the London Aquarium (inside, air conditioned and interesting - Sounds like a plan) so we decided to come back later on.  Our quest for decent food in a non smoky place lead us past downing street, the VE remembrance service and along the strand.  We stopped at a French restaurant where the food was mediocre, had a quick bite and then headed back to the aquarium.

The aquarium was great - and air conditioned which was a blessing.  We spent a lot of the afternoon wondering around looking at fish, sharks and all other manner of marine life.  We also got to touch the rays and dog fish in the touch pools which Rocked.  Then we were done and had to head back out to the dreaded heat

Oh no this is the boat from hell

So the last thing was the boat trip - looking at the schedule we could get to Greenwhich before we would have to head back to get the Heathrow express so this seemed like a plan,  We queued and then got on board - there were no seats free outside so we were in the large glass bit which as cramped a bit smelly and too hot - so we disembarked at tower and went to Selfridge's for Tea and Cake.  After a well earned rest it was time to head home.