London Times

Bubbles

  Well, hello London!  I have been here nearly a week, and I feel like I am just getting things figured out!  Okay, I'm a slower learner, perhaps!   This is "Bubbles" the cat, one of two that lives in my "Home Stay"!  Sorry Belle (the other cat)!  They are both very sweet.  Sue and Esme are wonderful hosts, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them!!!  I feel very lucky to have landed in such a "warm" environment.
   We are about a 15 minute walk to Cockfosters where I catch the tube into the city each day.  It's a spectacle watching me with my harness for writing, my backpack with 40 lbs of equipment, and essentials like a raincoat, (rain, rain, stay away!),  my Oyster card, and my wallet of "pounds" in case I need cash!  People often stare at me carting all of my stuff, and the looks I have received while walking/writing, being "peripatetic" are countless!  I wish I could take a snapshot of all of the many "faces" people have made while passing me by!  It's been quite comical.  Since it's "peek" season for tourists, the crowds are seemingly unending and all trying to get somewhere fast!
   We have had two very interesting tours so far by Peter and Mike, wonderfully vibrant and interesting guides, and though I'm writing and can't always "take it in" like a tourist can, the walks have helped me get very familiar very quickly.  We have seen the World War II Memorial, the WW II Women's Memorial, the spot where Charles the First was beheaded, Parliment, WhiteHall, the stairs the Brits uncovered while digging that have been "host" to many, many Monarchs.  We have seen the River Thames, the London Eye, Hyde Park, Oxford Street Picacdilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the Blue Cock there, and my favorite Westminster Abbey!  I am hoping to go to services there.
 

  This is me at the World War II Memorial.  It's right on the River Thames and beautiful.  Yes, that is my writer "pad" made by my husband, Kevin.  Gosh he his so handy!!  And then the 40 pound backpack on my back.  The first couple of days were exhausting, but I'm getting the hang of it.  More when I have time.....  Cheerio!