Let me explain. I am so far behind on my emails that I'm writing to you from Lyon but will give details of my visit to England! Here goes...
Saturday, 5/21/11 - Took an EasyJet flight from Madrid to Gatwick airport. Flight was on time & no problems. Best fare available was arriving in London at 7pm. Took a train & tube (subway) to my friend Peter's house who is located in North London around 8:30pm & he arranged a small dinner party with some of his friends. It was a delicious meal. Had a long day so just crashed.
Sunday, 5/22/11 - Caught up on things with my friend Peter & he took me to Regent's Park where there is a lovely rose/flower garden. We went to Hampstead for lunch to the Old Bull & Bush for a typical Sunday Pub Roast. Food was good & had a good time. Went to another local pub (the Angelic) for dinner & it was also very good. In a pub, you order at the bar & they deliver it to your table. It's the custom. Another quiet night.
Monday, 5/23/11 - This was a down day. Did errands with Peter & did laundry. My zipper broke on my good pants & tried to find place to replace it. Prices were high so decided to wait til I get to France.
Tuesday, 5/24/11 - Made a great trip to Greenwich today. Took a City Tours boat from Tower of London that travel on the Thames River & also provides some commentary. Got ticket that allowed me to travel all day for about $12. This is a bargain for London. Peter loaned me an Oyster Card that allows you to recharge it & also provides discounts.
Greenwich is a super town. This is the point where all time is set from. There is a museum that covers all about Greenwich Mean Time around the world on a hill that overlooks the Thames & the town. There is also a Royal Naval College here, designed by Christopher Wren, & it was once the site for the Royal Palace. Henry VIII & Elizabeth I were born here. Town is small & very charming.
Wednesday; 5/25/11 - Went to Camden Market this morning. Situated along a small canal with lots of shops all over the place. This area housed hugh stables that are now shops. Found a great restaurant, Hache, which specializes in hamburgers. Meat was very good & fresh. Cost 7.82 pounds sterling which is a bit expensive but it was great.
Thursday, 5/26/11 - This was a really special day! Took the train to Oxford from Paddington station. I decided to take the Hop On Hop Off City Bus tour which wasn't great but good overview. I also took a walking tour set up through the Tourist Office that was also very good. One place we visited was the Bodleian Library. The University is made up of several colleges (36), each specializing in some area of expertise. Some of the colleges date back to the 12th Century & the university is considered the second oldest in the world. Went to Trinity College on my own. I would love to stay overnight here and get to know this city. It was really wonderful!! Found a restaurant (The Four Candles) on the way back to the train station. Did take away of fish & chips including coffee for 3.79 pounds sterling. This was a real bargin!!
One of Peter's friends recommended an Italian restaurant that turned out to be really good. It's called Tikino.
Friday, 5/27/11 - In the morning I went to the TKTS discount ticket booth in Leister Square & bought a ticket for Blood Brothers. Wandered around a bit today with Peter & we had a nice lunch along the Thames River at Swan @ the Globe. Really upscale & expensive. In the evening had a quick dinner on Compton Street before seeing Blood Brothers. It was a dark musical that was very well done. Very sad but excellently performed.
Tomorrow I'm leaving London for France. Decided to take the bus instead of train because of the cost. 39 pounds sterling vs. 179 pounds sterling. Trip is over six hours compared to 2.5 hrs on train (Eurostar) but decided I'd see more of the countryside
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