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| "Mom and Dad Come to London" |
(London, Friday, 23rd June 2000, 8.31 p.m. )
I woke up around 10.00 a.m. with a hangover from last night's dinner with my sisters. Not that I drank a lot, really, but I drink relatively rarely these days and I can't seem to take my liquor any more! When I finally dragged myself out of bed and fumbled the curtains open, the day revealed itself to be the kind that doesn't recommend London to anyone - blustery, and heavily grey. My parents were coming up today, so I got myself ready and met them in Garfunkels on Southampton Row for lunch. We spent the day walking around (my Dad at 73 years old can still walk me off my feet), popping into churches, and cafes, and looking at trees and ducks in the parks. And, again, it was enjoyable, despite the imperfect weather: I found myself sharing in their curiosity about everything we saw.
In Trafalgar Square. On the base of Nelson's column, the words are inscribed "England Expects Every Man to do his Duty". I knew my duty was to have a good time with my parents - but it was no duty, more of a pleasure. Mind, looking at them next to me, I can't help but wonder if I'm really their son :)
My parents in St. James Park, hand-in-hand as usual.
My Dad took one of me in St James Park, with Buckingham Palace in the background.
The magical turrets of Horseguards Parade and the Admiralty
Westminster Abbey
Richard the Lion Heart, in front of the Houses of Parliament. Walking around here, it's no lie to say that you can feel the history, particularly in the street-names - Canon Row, The Sanctuary, Birdcage Walk.
Looking down the Thames from Lambeth Bridge
In the garden at the old church, St Mary's of Lambeth, now a museum of garden history. The actual museum was nothing too special, but there was the usual complement of smiling old ladies working there.
In the same garden, the tomb of Admiral William Bligh, of "Mutiny on the Bounty" fame.
Looking down Downing Street from Whitehall - No 10 was built in 1682, though wasn't the Prime Minister's residence until Disraeli.
And back towards Trafalgar Square, with Nelson's cocked hat visible high in the sky at the very top of the column
After my parents had taken the train home, I subjected myself to the madness of Oxford Street (the main shopping street) to try to find some protein bars.
And that's it - a day of tourism with my folks. Not too exciting, perhaps, and nothing dramatic to write about, but not a bad way to spend the day :)