London Day 7

My ankles are improving. 

We thought a little strapping may help!

London, a city under siege! Buses, taxis, vans, cars, motor bikes, scooters, emergency vehicles, cyclists, road closures, road works, train delays & cancellations, pedestrians & us! This morning we bought a day travel ticket for the hop on/hop off bus. We spent more time on the bus than off as the bus competed for space & inched its way along the busy streets. So slow was our progress we had time to enjoy some window shopping! Four hours & Phil's patience had reached its elastic limit! We abandoned the bus & returned to the underground rail service, a more time efficient way to travel under London.

Covent Garden, famous for its covered markets was disappointing. Like a lot of London it's undergoing a pre-Olympic face lift, so much of the area had restricted access.

Harrods' motto is 'anything is possible,' and it was. No expense spared with the shop fit out. It was a wonderful experience, one which has set a new benchmark for shopping. We enjoyed the delicious strawberry & banana milkshakes. An indulgence at £7.50 - each!
 

Just a fleeting glimpse of Carnaby Street's array of boutiques and we decided London had done us!

Tomorrow we travel by train to Cambridgeshire, home to my ancestors Ibbott, Elsum & Deller.

Time for reflection before I close the London chapter. The Mecure London Paddington Hotel offered an excellent base from which we explored London. Its location, just 36 steps from the Paddington underground, was ideal, especially for two weary tourists returning to their hotel each evening. For location, cleanliness, hospitality, friendly, helpful staff, & value for money, we give it 10/10.

Garfunkel's Restaurant, while offering direct access from the hotel & a charge back to the room facility, is run independently from the hotel. Their menu offered wholesome, old fashioned English fare   with breakfast priced at £6 and evening meals between £8 and £14. We didn't get to meet Simon!




The pre-purchased travel card & London Pass proved to be excellent value. Today's hop on/hop off experience wasn't a good note on which to finish our London visit. However, we leave with fond memories. There's a lot to like about London.