London

OK we made it to London - very comfortable considering it was a 12 hour flight. The Premium Economy appears to be "worth" it (I think) Caught the Express into Paddington ( a mere 18 pounds each - $29!!!!) and a taxi to accommodation (another 10 quid - $16) and booked in. The room seemed OK except for a wet carpet smell and ... when I decided to shower to freshen up a bit I could only get hot water - and I mean hot! The manager rushed to "fix" it for we obviously stupid colonials but .. aha "it appears to be stuck on hot" - no kidding mate? A change of rooms for the night - "only spare one available sir" and we found ourselves in a tiny, dark dungeon but, being absolutely knackered, we just jumped into bed and slept soundly ... until 4am when we were both wide awake. Obviously our body clocks weren't quite right. Fortunately we managed to get another couple of hours kip a bit later (after toast and tea).
 * [[image:beefeater.gif]]LONDON || media type="custom" key="6739627" ||
 * DAY ONE**

We spent Monday wandering about the area - Notting Hill/ Bayswater - a stroll through Kensington Gardens and a look around the Victoria and Albert Museum before a late pub lunch. By then the hotel folks had found us a new room - much more upmarket than either before so we are quite happy now thank you very much! Photos London Day 1

Today we walked the long way to Portobello Road Markets - the long way because, silly me, asked Google Maps to show the way from our apartment. It did (but of course) it assumed we were driving! And it appears that Tuesday is not the busiest day of the week for the markets and most stalls and many small shops were closed. Still it was a nice walk. From there we caught the tube to visit The Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames. The tour was fascinating (and "old people" with Seniors cards save £2). A walk across the Millenium Bridge (lovely views down the Thames - London is living up to expectations - grey, overcast skies, dirty muddy waters etc), lunch behind St Paul's and then on the tube again to visit Soho and Oxford Circus area. Lots of walking and just browsing about - having seen most of the major sites in previous visit this laid-back meandering suits us although our leg muscles do complain in the late afternoon! Photos London Day 2
 * DAY TWO**

Half day really as we left for the airport around 1pm. Wandered around the Chelsea area gawking at some of the houses and being fascinated by the number of "nannies" or "au pairs" walking toddlers in strollers and watching them in the parks and playgrounds. Its something we just don't see back home or maybe we just aren't looking in the right areas? I don't suppose we would see too many nannies in other parts of London either. Made our way out to the airport and safely onto our flight to Dublin - back in London early November. a very few pics
 * DAY THREE**