Our first full day, we went back to Covent Garden for a re-look (and some breakfast), then walked over to St. Martin in the Fields, to see what was going on there, and to listen to a free lunch-time concert. The church was magnificent (the picture does not do it justice), and the concert was good.
The important thing was that we learned as well about a concert that evening, also at the church. A pianist playing, among other things, the Moonlight Sonata, and Clair de Lune. So that made our evening also very good. We spent the afternoon (what was left of it) walking towards the British Museum, and of course stopping for a beer along the way. Once again, the weather was in our favour. Dan did not join us, so we didn't see him until we got home at the end of the day.
Then, Wednesday, we again spent a bit of time getting organized before going out, then went up to Streatham Hill Road for breakfast, stopping at a local patisserie for a few delicasies, then crossing the road for a sit-down coffee, and sweets. Then off on the bus/railway to visit Hampton Court Palace, known for its connection to Henry VIII, and his wives. But also known for the renovations done under William and Mary. The day was sunny and warm, and the grounds were spectacular, the castle magnificent in all its opulence and extravagance.
We enjoyed the tour of the kitchens, the Royal Suite from Henry's days, and the Chapel Royal. Then went to the Cafe for a bite, and then finally to the Maze to get lost briefly before they closed the place. And we even ran into King Henry along with Katherine!
That evening, Darlene took the opportunity to go to a local Quaker meeting down near the St Martin in the Fields Church. I decided to go and meet Dan in Guildford, and he and I went out in that nice smaller town to a Thai restaurant at the top of a local building, where we watched the sun go down and enjoyed a very pleasant meal. We got home about the same time as Darlene, who had wandered about Trafalgar Square a bit before catching the bus home (a trip which she enjoyed a lot).
Our final full day was rainy. We ended up going back to bed and sleeping the morning away, then headed back downtown, this time by bus. A coffee (obligatory), and a tour through Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's Column and its lions, along with a boat-in-a-bottle of Nelson's ship.
Decided to go to the National Gallery (remember, all admission to museums like this are free), and looked at some wonderful artwork. Then met Dan after his work, walked around a bit through Soho and the West End Theatre District, found a little restaurant with a solemn waiter, and ate before returning home.
In spite of being tired, we stayued up on our last night to pack and talk with Dan, then tumbled into bed.
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Location:Lambeth, London
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