DATE: Saturday 8 July, 1995
PLACE: London
WEATHER: Warm
REMARKS: Another late start following a late evening. The
kids routines (& ours) are shot to pieces. Given which
they are coping remarkably well; no tantrums to speak of;
and no 'This is boring...' or 'I don't want to ...'
Jayne woke with an eye infection which necessitated a trip
to Bryce's GP & a prescription. No charge for either,
which compares favourably with NZ, and makes me realize how
quickly we have come to accept such things as routine and
acceptable in NZ.
After a bite to eat we are off to the Tube for a day pass
and a trip to Charing Cross. I am surprised again at 1) the
frequency of the services, and 2) the level of patronage,
even on a Saturday p.m.
We catch one of the river cruises to Greenwich; lovely sights
along the river en-route. A surprisingly large tidal change
on the river of 17 to 29 feet. We saw the river at near low
tide. Very impressive development of the Docklands area -
also the penetration by non-UK companies. Also saw & suitably
awed by Big Ben, Parliament (the Westminster Gas Works), Cleopatra's
Needle, etc. So many places of significance so close together
is a little difficult to come to terms with.
At Greenwich walked through a market & refreshed ourselves,
after meeting up with a friend of Bryce's (Patrick). Then
on to Queen Anne's House (built over the main road) and on
through lovely park lands to the Observatory. Stood over the
Prime Meridian - must tell Sarah it is the opposite of the
International Date Line. Walked back into Greenwich &
caught the 'overground' to Charing Cross.
Out and down the road to Trafalgar Square, under Admiralty
Arch into The Mall, then off into St James's Park. Bryce is
turning into a mine of useless information -he tells us that
the Cross (structure) at Charing Cross marks one of the resting
places for the body of Queen Mary (of William & ...) on
her way to be buried.
We had almost given up when: there!! A squirrel! Desiree
had so wanted to see one. And then another!!
They are not only quick moving, but also jump very well.
Bryce had planned a return by bus; but they didn't know
that, and so didn't show up. Nothing daunted, we return to
the Tube at the Embankment & home to pizzas & bed.
Late again, but so what?
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