London According To Jess

Once again I was fortunate to have a personal guide for the day. Jessica collected me from our hotel this morning. Jess is the elder daughter of friends and I've known her over two decades. She has been living, studying and working in London for a few years now.

Woodsie opted to have a day to himself, where he hoped to watch the Geelong first final match at a nearby pub. I think he found the movie he saw later in the day far better viewing.

First Jess took me on several buses, touring about London, sitting up the top of course. She reasoned many tourists do not utilise buses and believesthey give great views of the city.



We drove through West End ... where Les Miserables is still playing over 21 years since it debuted.



After, Jess took me down along canals, where colourful houseboats were moored. We passed a lock and were able to see a boat pass through.




Here is Jess, with her head held in a way suggesting - Do you REALLY have to take my photo. And the answer was - YES!



Jess had been here along the canals only a few weeks ago and was surprised at the green algae that had since spread across the water surface. It was so thick that rubbish was floating on top.


It was a perfect weather today, a warm 27 degrees. Jess declared it a "shirts off day" for London and she later took me through a park dotted with individual and small groups of sunbathers. And yes, many men had shirts off, soaking up that Vitamin D. Some women had even stripped down to underwear (no, not bikinis, bra and knickers) to make the most of this glorious day.

Some of the canal boats were restaurants.






I thought we might have been headed there, but Jess led me further on, and up some stairs, to a delightful pub tucked beside the canal. This was a real local pub, as it was well off the tourist beat.



The pint of cider accompanied our trout quite nicely. So we had a second pint each.



The plan was to ride bikes about, but we were foiled by a simple roll of paper. When the automatic machine did not print out the receipt, Jess phoned, to be informed the paper roll had run out, which prevents the whole transaction taking place.



The bikes stayed in their racks; we proceeded on foot, to the Geffyre Museum. This one my guide had selected especially for me. It shows domestic life for the British middle class from the 1600s to today. Complete rooms are set up, illustrating changes in wall panelling, tables, chairs and other decorations.



I thought the theme of one room summed up ME rather well. My red face probably summed up the two pints with lunch!



Behind the museum there is a series of gardens, which have a wonderfully restful and relaxing atmosphere on this warm afternoon. Strangely, signs declared that no picnics were allowed.




Next we wandered through the Borough Market, just as they were closing. I spied some of the flat Spanish peaches and, as Jess had never tasted them, I pleaded through the closed gates if they would still sell us some.






All this being very thirsty work, we retired to another pub. The first one Jess suggested is where you buy your drink, then everyone stands OUTSIDE in a roped off area on the pavement, to drink. I claimed old age, so we went close by to ...


where the seating was outside under an amusing collection of umbrellas.



Jessica probably guessed my proficiency with the Underground system, so insisted on taking me via the trains back to Earl's Court station, as our hotel is just around the corner.

It was a fantastic day. Lots of time to catch up and talk. Interesting to gain her perspective on Life in London. And marvellous she was willing to guide me around for the day!!!