Christmas in London

After a whirlwind trip through Eastern Europe we hopped on the Eurostar in  Brussels, crossed the Channel through the Chunnel and in under two hours were at St Pancreas Station.  It is just too easy travelling between countries in Europe.

It was a good reunion with Pam and Cole in their flat in Southfields.  Pat was due to arrive from Australia early in the morning.  Bob hadn’t slept for two nights worrying whether Pat and his luggage would arrive in one piece.  Pam left for work at 7.45 and 10 minutes later we got a message that Pat was on the tube heading our way.  Bob threw on some clothes and flew out the door to meet him at the station.  I followed 5 minutes later.  It was great to see Pat again.  He was so excited to be in London that he wouldn’t stop talking.

We hired a car for the weekend and drove out to Windsor Castle.  It is a nice little place the Queen has.

The gang outside Windsor Castle

The Castle and gardens

The guards marching down the road

The next day we drove out to Stonehenge.  We were hoping to stop on the road nearby and just have a look with the kids rather than spending £70 to get up close.  Bob and I had already gotten up close and personal in July for free with our English Heritage Pass.  The secondary road going along the site was totally blocked off so no one could stop (I suppose it would chaos in peak season but it did seem mean).  Bob, ever the scallywag, found a small break in the barrier up a country lane.  There the Druids were gathering in their gypsy-like caravans getting ready for the winter solstice ceremonies.  We had a chat with some of them and took our photo op.

Stonehenge in the winter mist

Family selfie at Stonehenge

Then we had a quick visit to Salisbury Cathedral.  It was Sunday morning and they were having their service (only a small section of the massive cathedral was filled with worshippers).  We sat in for about 10 minutes - nice singing - then we went to see the copy of the Magna Carta.  

Next we went down the A338 to Bournemouth to show the kids where Bob grew up.  This was Bob’s fourth visit to Bradpole Road since he emigrated in 1964 (twice in the 80’s and then last July) but the first time someone was at home.  So, much to the embarrassment of Pam and Pat, Bob knocked on the door.  The lady kindly invited us in to have a look at the house.  Bob was thrilled to see the old place.  The elderly couple had lived there since 1979.  There were a few small changes but Bob's toy cupboard was still there (no toys of course but it had been their son’s room). 

We had a nice lunch with Bob's cousin, Stephen, his only remaining relative in England.  Sadly we had to rush back to London to return the rental car before 6.30pm.

Pam took us to the Wallace Collection.  This is a fabulous free museum of Medieval armour and art works from the 15th - 19th centuries including Rembrandt, Van Dyke and Gainsborough and Frans Hals – The Laughing Cavalier.  One of my favourite rooms was the Italian paintings of Venice including Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal) – The Bacino from the Giudecca, Venice, c. 1740.  Wouldn’t it be lovely to sail into the canal – maybe someday.

Suites of armour for man and horse

Canaletto's painting of Venice

In the chaos before Christmas we went to Oxford Street – totally packed with shoppers, China Town for lovely dinner and to the markets to check out the Christmas lights and did last minute shopping for gifts and food.

Christmas markets

A toy train made completely of Leggo - Bob had fun in it

Then of course Christmas day came.  We had a feast of a roast dinner and totally indulged in Belgian chocolates.

Silly hats and Christmas jumpers

The 9 day visit flew by.  It was a great reunion.  The kids are off to ski in Samoëns, France and the parents off to the warmer climes of Spain and beyond.