UK 2023


Managed a bit of sleep with all the party animals downstairs.
But it’s really nice and cool in Harry’s apartment with the big windows open so we put up with it.
 
Yesterday was really just a travel day so nothing exciting to post. After arriving in shoreditch, we did a bit of shopping for a couple of home cooked meals and then a very lazy afternoon.

Today, we are tourists.

First stop Petticoat Lane Market, as requested by Father Green.
He used to visit often on a Sunday with his mum and dad.
I imagine it has changed a lot, even the name Petticoat Lane had to go as it seemed to racey. Many signs still say Petticoat Lane ( established in 1650)
Today selling mainly clothing and textiles. It was a real United Nations of people.





Next stop on our day of adventure is Green Park and Buckingham Palace just in time for the changing of the guard.





Quite a ceremony these days with the Mall all blocked off to traffic and police everywhere.
My recollection of our time here when the boys were little (about 18 years ago) there weren’t many people and I don’t really remember police etc.

We walked down the mall and a bit more of Green park before waiting in a queue at Winston Churchill’s war rooms. It’s not cheap but I think it will be interesting but we have decided to come back another day/ time when it’s not so busy.

Wandered around to parliament square to have a look at the newly renovated Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
As luck would have it Big Ben was about to strike 12 midday.
That’s Winston Churchill in the foreground.



Back into the underground and the destination is Covent Garden market. We got out at temple station and walked up the Strand, which was nice.

The market is incredibly crowded with tourists like us so we found some lunch and watched for a bit.





Bought some gifts in the Transport Museum shop and the back to the tube.



Popped into Spitalfield Markets for a look, as they are very close to Harry’s place.

It’s a 30degree day in London today so we head back to Harry’s knowing it will have a cool breeze and we can relax comfortably and wait for Harry’s arrival as this weekend he has been in Malta as you do.

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