Our return from London......from where we started in Europe!

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Our last train ride which will end where we started, in London, ENGLAND. Once again the villages look idyllic, but approaching the border, there are walls and barbwire to prevent people from illegally crossing. The train enters the chunnel, and darkness ensues. On existing, the bright sunshine is a welcoming beacon into London. Have to say it is great to hear English again, and to get exactly what you order and expect in a restaurant.

London is a happening place since the NATO Summit meetings are taking place over the next two days. While outside Buckingham Palace, a police officer stops a man on a bicycle, and physically redirects him. There are metal barriers for miles. A helicopter lands close to the Palace, but do not know who is inside. Wonderful to see all the Nato flags displayed on the mall. The government buildings have their flags flying at half mast in remembrance of the two individuals who were killed on the London Bridge recently. We walk the Queen’s Walk, and Princess Diana’s Walk. Big Ben is being repaired, and the London Eye, which is a cantilevered observation wheel is full of people going around inside each of the 32 capsules. What a special time to be here, as there are Christmas Markets all over the city.

In the evening, we attend the musical Come From Away that tells the story about 7,000 passengers being grounded in Gander, Newfoundland with a population of 13,000, when 9/11 happened. So many concerns were brought forward in dealing with the strangers from 38 jets and 95 countries.

Such as:

-individuals that could not speak English

-people wanting to visit places of their faith in order to pray

-specific dietary needs because of choice, health, or religion

-the care of animals in cargo, including a pregnant bonobo

-need of additional medications

-access to phones

-pre-judgement of the Islamic passengers, especially when preparing to board and leave Newfoundland

The musical demonstrated through song the amazing care, kindness, and love the Newfoundlanders showered on all of these individuals. Isn’t this really what life is suppose to be about? Made us so very proud to be Canadians.

Early next day is a browse in Covent Garden full of eateries, shops, theatres, the Opera house, and street performers. On Oxford Street is an entire store that sells only umbrellas and walking sticks. We need to enter. It has been operating for 182 years by six generations. You can select the handles, woods, and fabrics. I ask one of the owners to show me the most beautiful woman’s umbrella they have. There are two different fabrics used, navy on the outside, and a rich rust orange on the inside. The cost is 250 pounds. Better not lose it.

A day is spent walking along the Thames River under heavy grey clouds. A double decker black bus drives past. It is a gourmet dining vehicle where you can eat, drink, and enjoy the sights of the city. For supper we attend a Faulty Towers dining experience. The characters of Sybil, Basil, and Manuel involve the diners into the play while serving a 3-course meal. The show begins with Manuel throwing the buns at each of us. Made for a fun night, and met lovely people from the U.K. at our table.

Taking the subway and bus from West London, brings us back to the original airport hotel where we had first arrived. At lunch, after months of seeing the item of sticky toffee pudding on the menu’s, it is my last chance to give it a go. It is divine! So glad we decided to stay in West London and just relax and decompress to wrap up the trip.

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Comments

[Tim Skinner]

Well done and congratulations to both of you for completing the Europe circuit!
A lot of travel and Sue and I look forward to catching you somewhere in Canada. We are off to Europe in June so we need to know you top 3 places