London and Beyond

We made it! Much shorter queues at customs meant a much longer wait at the luggage carousel. However, this did mean that despite our flight arriving early, Mim was there by the time we emerged. Despite expectations, our journey on the tube was relatively quick and painless. The usually short walk from the station was, however, another matter. Miriam's green suitcase was at best hazardous to one's ankles, and at worst an accident waiting to happen, while Robyn's large and overweight red suitcase provided great entertainment for those following behind as she thumped it down the stairs. Somehow we made it safely to our destination, where a decrepit lift attempted to crush the aforementioned large red suitcase, and the hand that was towing it. Apparently laser sensors have not yet made it to this part of the world.

Our belongings ensconced in our small but lovely room, we had a relaxing evening catching up with one brother (and his dear wife) while waiting for the other to announce his engagement (he didn't). After finally giving up, we retired to the land of Nod.

A leisurely morning of unpacking and a brisk walk around the park followed before setting off to meet brother number two at the Borough Markets. Thankfully, soon after greeting, he put us out of our misery and announced that he had proposed to Lydia and she had accepted. It was a joyful reunion. A wander through the market and along the South Bank let us chat to our hearts' content. Mim then slapped up a delicious celebratory dinner, with champagne and coffee gateau, after which we toddled out to the footpath to view the lunar eclipse and waved goodnight to the happy couple.