Week The First

So, what did we do our first week in London, England? Well, our schedule included a decent amount of sleeping, resting, and relaxing. But we did manage to squeeze in a few outings and tourist activities. . .

We both enjoyed our first Sunday here, attending the Good Shepherd Mission (Lyndon & Mim's church) in the morning, and St Helen's Bishopsgate (Andrew's church) in the evening.

Monday we popped into town and wandered down Oxford Street, getting our bearings and stocking up on a couple of necessities (i.e. an umbrella). In Debenhams, a large department store, we had the treat of witnessing a 'live infomercial' along with a bunch of the most gullible little old ladies in the city - such amazing knives! you can cut through a hammer! why you would want to, I have no idea. . . but if you buy one, you'll get another one absolutely free (one wonders why one needs a second when they apparently never need sharpening). But wait there's more! And so it went on, but we got our free gift :-) We also stopped in at New Zealand House, and Robyn was surprised how much she enjoyed hearing a NZ accent. We experienced our first rush our in the tube on our way home. We were standing and the carraige was packed full, but just before the doors closed, another 5 people pushed their way in. Robyn was left sandwiched between the backs of two men, with so little space that she had to keep her head turned sideways. Needless to say, no handles were available to grip but when you're that well squished, there's no where for you to fall anyway!

On Tuesday our morning was occupied with Bob going to a seminar and setting up her bank account etc., while Minnie found the Liberty store - such fun! It is the most gorgeous shop - she had a very happy time there. We met up at lunchtime and wended our way toward the British Museum. A tour of some ancient relics and the European area managed to introduce a soporific air to the proceedings, so we were home before the rush hour.

Wednesday we, um, slept. And had a nice sit in the park. And then came home and rested a bit.

On Thursday Robyn filled her morning with a highly successful interview at Imperial College, while Miriam visited the Sylvanian shop (at the top of the list of must see destinations). We met up atop the hill of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, just in time to see the big red ball drop at 1pm. The Observatory was really interesting, with displays on the Royal Astronomers, latitude and longitude, time and clocks. There is a beautiful octagonal room in the residence there designed by Sir Christopher Wren which is well worth seeing. After a bite to eat from 'The Honest Sausage' we had a wander through the Greenwich Market and town centre before returning home.

Friday was occupied with meeting Andrew for lunch in Soho and then spending a couple of hours in the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. There is an amazing display at the moment on Dick Bruna and Miffy. It was a great place to spend an afternoon.

We went in to Portobello Road on Saturday to see the markets (where Paddington did his shopping...). After looking around for a while (aka peering through the crowds of people) we headed off with Andrew through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park towards the Natural History Museum, where we met up with Lydia and Rob. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition was our destination, and it was well worth seeing - the most amazing photos of animals, plants, birds and fish - some taken by children as young as 10. It was very inspiring.

Anyhow, we survived our first week, with suprisingly nice weather for all of it (sunny, cloudless days, and rain rarely), and here's Bob's quote of the week:

When setting off on an Expedition, be sure to bring Provisions. Or, at the very least, things to eat.

-Winnie-the-Pooh