Blogs from Pimlico, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

We decided to meet up with John & Mary and my parents at Pimlico at 11:00 on 20 June to go to Tate Britain. They felt comfortable to stay in Premier Inn of Stratford. However, they were a little cross that they were unable to see the post offices or post boxes near the hotel and Westfield City. My mother asked me to send the postcard for her son in Japan and I had to go to the post office in Wood Green. Having approached the destination from Pimlico, we found the statue of Millais, and took the memory photos. I wanted to show the grand façade of the front building of Tate Britain, however, the building work was carried on, and we were directed to enter from the middle of the building. My mother wanted ... read more

We had a relatively uneventful flight from LAX to London Heathrow (and really, aren’t those the best kinds of flights? ). Aside from the typical screaming baby and the lady behind me kicking the back of my seat once an hour just to remind me not to try and get TOO much sleep during the flight, it was an easy 9 hours. We even departed an hour behind schedule and still arrived in London almost when we were supposed to. Not bad for an airline who just asked their staff to work for free for awhile.(I’m talking about you British Airways!). I also learned this flight that if you ask for vegetarian (or any special) meals, you get your food WAY before everyone else. Win! Getting through immigration was quick and painless, as was baggage claim ... read more

Just a brief entry, to let you know we've arrived in London. We love our apartment, and the location is good, too. We discovered several streets of restaurants, cafes, small stores, etc. just a few blocks away. Close to two tube stations, as well (Victoria and Pimlico). Tonight we ate at a great little restaurant in the neighborhood that I had read about--and it wasn't pub food, thank god--had wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil that was to die for!! The bummer is (and those of you following Wimbledon probably already know this) that although it cleared up here late this afternoon, and the evening was almost balmy, rain and thunderstorms are predicted for our entire stay here!!! Anyway, since internet is faster here, I thought I'd include some of today's photos. By the way, thanks ... read more

Seven divers from the diving club attended the above course in Pimlico in London on the 8/9 December. Saturday leant how we learn, how to present, must have's within any presentation, STEP, PAVE, etc, etc. Then pool sessions going through skills and prepared for tomorrow. That evening went straight to Wayne and Stella's to prepare for our presentations, they fed and watered us, giving us pictures from the internet, coloured paper and pens to use. A big THANK YOU to them! Sunday undertook a 10 minute presentation on Alternative Air Sources and 20 minute practical on buoyancy control. Although nervous it was within our small groups that we presented, I went first on both exercises and all went well by the end of Sunday. Now completed course and am an Assistant Diving Instructor! ... read more

Well, this is it. As I said in my goodbye email, 5 and a half years of living in this country, on the other side of the world. Its been amazing, the people, the places and the many experiences we have had are going to form some of the most significant memories of our lives. I just did my last walk, through the park home - through St James Park, which is my favourite London park. I could have caught the tube but I am so glad I decided to walk, because that is the coolest "last" London memory I will have. The park was just full enough with people to give it a buzz, but not full like in summer, when you are scrounging to find spare green space. The air was crisp, just fresh, ... read more