London Covent Garden 29th April, 2009

Another interesting day with Natalie. We set out to Covent Garden where we had lunch before seeing 'Oliver' at the Theatre Royale, we girls enjoyed it very much, the stage settings and costumes are magnificent, not Graham's cup of tea though, but he was happy to go along.

Afterwards we looked around the markets in Covent Garden, it is full of character before hopping on the tube back to the Landor Pub where Natalie works. Lot's of reminiscing.

Bath, Abbey Church 28th April, 2009

We had a most interesting tour today to Windsor Castle, very magestic and awe inspiring architecture, then onto Bath where we viewed the Roman Bath's with it's magic water which we chose not to sample. The village itself is absolutely beautiful, we would have liked to spend more time there. Then onto to Stonehenge, which is amazing how the stone was transported to this area and to this day no one is sure why! Once out of London heading towards these areas the countryside is truly beautiful. I have added several photo's of the trip on the web album, hope you enjoy them. Once we arrived back in London Central went in search of an English Pub, found this quaint little one in the next suburb from where we are staying called The Moon Over the Water had a few beers of course and a typically ordinary aussie meal, steak & veg. a fantastic day!!

London 27th April 2009

This is the B&B where we are staying, it is very cosy and lovely hosts. I had a very quiet day today. Graham ventured out on the tube into London Central and organised our day out tomorrow. Arrived back with nice cold beers!

It was a bleak day here, first rain since we arrived and of course cold. In doors is nice as it is centrally heated.

London 26th April 2009

We met Natalie at Tooting Bec Station and off we went on an adventure around London. Could not tell you how many times we were on & off the tube, pays to get around with a seasoned Londoner who knows her way around. First up we went to Harrod's, what an opulent store, signed the Princess Diana Book and generally looked around, everything is on a grand scale. Then onto Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, by this time we all wanted to sit down, wait for this had lunch at Macca's. We decided to go to Oxford Street (famous for the shopping) so back on the tube, but not without some minor drama, when we got to the platform the train was there so Natalie got on, me after her but the doors closed so I pushed them with both arms, Graham behind pushing my backside in the train, doors close and he is still on the platform! I'm saying shit how is he going to find us, she is telling me in between laughing uncontrollably at the look on my face, "it's alright Auntie Helen he will get the next train and get off at the next station" I was concerned but sure enough that is what happened. Typical "Cleeland's" had it all under control!! So off we went to this warehouse place called Primark, made a small purchase after fighting the huge crowds, Graham sat out on the ledge of the building and was suitably entertained people watching. Then it was coffee, 3 more tubes to a pub in Clapham Common called The Frog Forget Me Not and a well deserved relax with a few beers and a meal, as you can see by the photo we are all exhausted. By the way everyone had to buy Graham ear plugs!!!!!

London 25th April 2009

Well for us this was definately and eye opener, today Graham + some help from very helpful strangers mastered the tube across 3 zones, 3 changes of trains to get to the new Sheppards Bush Westfield Shopping Centre (as you all know not his favourite pass time) but he actually purchased a pair of trousers himself while I went searching! We think Chermside is huge, not compared to this, it is absolutely massive. Ended our day with a delicious dinner at an Italian Restaurant just down from b&b.

London 24th April 2009

Another good flight, neither of us can quite believe just how good it has been, Graham a little stiff today though. After arriving at the B&B and settling in we caught a double decker red bus into central London, went walking, walking & more walking. We went into Westminster Abbey, saw Sloane Square, found a local travel agent for some brochures, managed to find our way back to catch bus 319, had a couple of beers just down from where we are staying. Now Graham is sound asleep and I won't be far behind him. Who knows what tomorrow will bring!!

We have just returned from a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, spectacular 160 acres, which we saw a smidgen of. Our flight over was very good, actually went quite quick. It is very hot & humid here, fortunately Angie's beautiful home is air conditioned. This afternoon we are off shopping!! which Graham is coping with quite well.
We also visited the museum of the Raffles Hotel which is an iconic building here which has been beautifully restored. Dinner was at PS Cafe which was beautiful, before the 13.5 hr. flight to London. We are being very spoilt here with Angie.

Adam's 60th Birthday Party

Great celebration and catching up with friends. More pictures on the web album.