Quick snap shot of `london

We came on the fast train through the tunnel (just like any other tunnel to me) and arrived in `london to pouring rain and gale force winds - they were having a storm over the country! It was so nice to be able to read signs in English, and talk to people - even on the escalator in English! didnt realise how hard it has been over the last 2 months without your first language around you. We settled into our hotel, near Kings Cross station, and that night we had our first show in the West End ... Jersey Boys! yay I got to see it! Dave sorted out the underground (not metro now)and off we went. So exciting! only a few stops away, and then strolling down these little streets (very closed in, cobblestones - not the big wide roads I thought it was) We found the theatre hidden away, and went to a pub over the road for a drink. Then I went to the Toilet and then ...... a voice behind me said ..... you dont happen to teach at Havelock North Primary school do you? i nearly died! it was an aunty of an old pupil who used to come on school trips and remembered me (are you Mrs O?) and chatted away like lost friends! once again small world!the show was fantastic - it was a thursday night, and no one was really dressed up. the singing was amazing, the theatre was lovely. and I was happy as a sandboy! sang along to the songs, and just loved it. even Dave was enthused. the next day we were leaving on a train for `lincoln at 4pm, so had all day to explore. I looked up the bus route, and discovered Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and the British Museum were close by, so we hopped on the right bus and off we went. Got off at Trafalgar Square, Did you see the photo of Mr Havelock there? he is at Trafalgar Square with Lord Nelson! spied the National Art Gallery there, then looked around and saw Big Ben down the road over some Buildings! so change of plan - this is what we did in 3 hours. -walk down to the Thames and crossed the bridge -saw the `london Eye and checked out prices and tickets (for the next time) - saw the `Houses of Parliament and Big Ben - (that chimed as we went by) - looked at the outside of Westminster Abby - not bad queues to get in, so on list for next time. `(no Photos yet tho) -strolled past 10 Downing Street - closed off and hard to see! -saw the Household Cavalry changing guard and horses! - saw the Pall Mall road full of flags from the Jubliee - looked at paintings in `national Art Gallery - no photos tho. Saw Van Gogh's Sunflowers, `monet, Manet,Cezanne,Gaughin, Reubin, all in 3 rooms! I was in heaven! much easier than the `lourve. All of that - ins uch a short time! nothing goes to plan but now we know where things are. All of the above was just by walking along some roads. Now off to Lincoln, by train from Kings Cross, to stay with some lovely people we have never met but sound great over the emails!