Return to the Big Smoke

We spent the next 10 days chilling out at Pam’s.  We were waiting for some banking mail to arrive from Australia so could not book our return to Greece until we had our bank cards.  Having all our banking needs met while living a nomadic life has been one of our great frustrations.  Generally electronic banking works for most things but when it doesn’t, it is a major hassle – but that is another story.  In between catching up on emails, paperwork and shopping for essentials not available easily in the Greek Islands or Turkey, we did manage some more sightseeing.

One day we met Pam after work and toured Highgate Cemetery in North London.  It was interesting to see this part of London which has quite a different feel than the south or city.  The Cemetery is a lovely parkland with trees and vines growing through and around the thousands of graves.  The trees damaging the graves bothered Bob but I found the effect quite enchanting.  We sought out some of the notable graves and just enjoyed the ambiance.

Highgate Cemetery

Karl Marx's grave

Douglas Adams' grave - So was the meaning of life really 42?

The perfect no nonsense tombstone

Another day we went to the Southbank to check out the Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, the Borough Markets and the Golden Hinde, a replica of Drakes 16^th Century ship which circumnavigated the world.

The Globe Theatre

The Tower Bridge - nice walk across

Borough Markets - the best pasta I have ever tasted and the goat stall made me miss my favorite meal in Greece - Greek Salad and Goat in the oven

The Golden Hinde

Now that is a voyage!

We made an excursion to Popular in the East End to check out the streets where Bob’s mother and grandparents lived.  It has all been redeveloped now and none of the original houses were standing.  The docklands area has all been gentrified and frankly in the middle of the day was like a ghost down and quite soulless.  From the docklands we walked under the Thames in the tunnel to Greenwich.

The Thames walking tunnel - lovely and cool

Then we walked all around the old Royal Naval College with its magnificent Wren buildings including the dome and painted hall.   The whole area is quite beautiful and a step back in time.  It has been used in numerous film sets such as The Madness of King George and Little Dorrit.

The Royal Naval College

The Painted Hall

View from the top of Greenwich hill

We also went into the National Maritime Museum but only got through about half of the exhibits before closing time.

National Maritime Museum

Now that is a ship in a bottle!

On our last night in London we took the girls for a slap up meal at The Woodman a nice pub in Wimbledon Park.  It was a terrific visit with Pam and Nicole.  I’m sure they were glad to get their flat back but they made us feel welcome and I think I have grown to consider the flat my second home. (Don’t worry girls we won’t impose too much!)