Sunny London!

Woke to a sunny London this morning. The promise of the quality breakfast at the hotel didn't disappoint. Met some interesting visitors from Germany, Poland and the north of England. Everyone's story is varied and interesting.

Sunshine at Somerset House courtyard

Still feeling the effects of the flight so took things a little slower than yesterday. Mid morning we drifted down to Covent Garden - took in the obligatory shop before a visit to the Courtauld Institute at Somerset House. Spent an extended time "smelling the flowers" in the quite surrounds of the courtyard. We then wandered the Strand and the Thames embankment before returning to our hotel.

Earless van Gogh

Caught up with James for a few drinks and a bite to eat. Home again before 12.

At Paddington Basin with James

James +

Wet London!

How nice is it to see rain again!  London has not disappointed in this respect.

After an eight hour trip from Hobart to Sydney, the international connection has been a relative breeze. Virgin Atlantic could be recommended - nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The high/low light was the glass of red wine landing in my lap! The attendant thinking who is this crazy man then tipping his wife's white wine down his front as well!!

Looking no worse for wear outside California Hotel

James met us at Heathrow and dropped us at our hotel, Hotel California, in Camden. We are a little early for check in but the staff have been very obliging.

Looking forward now to a few hours sleep to recharge the batteries!

But before this a tasty breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning shopping on Oxford Street for a sim-card and some other stuff.

 Renoir,'s - La Première Sortie

Gradually got a second wind so a visit to the National Gallery was added to the itinerary! Always something to view regardless of the number of visits.

By early afternoon we called it a day and headed back to the hotel for a few hours sleep.  This was short and sweet for we were away by six to meet James for a drink and a meal.

Did a quick walk to the Angel to meet James and road test a dark bitters to check whether the Lumeah dark bitters cut the mustard! Yeah!  It did and the English dark bitters was very nice and my brew was in the ball park, After the "taste" test we moved onto the lovely Italian restaurant,  On outstanding meal.

A quick trip home for some well needed rest.

... another sortie - Helene & James

Leaving Oz

Sydney Harbour after the fog!  Photo by Helene

... it's been a long story! Eight hours to get to Sydney.

Woke to another 3 degree morning in Hobart. Flew out of Hobart at 6 - then for the delays because Sydney airport was fog bound for the second day in a row.

We had less than an hour to get to the international terminal for our 2.25 pm flight to Hong Kong. The same flight yesterday  day was cancelled - so a number of passengers on this flight were booked for yesterday's flight - so we are counting ourselves to be a little fortunate.

Just hoping we can catch a little shut-eye - been up nearly 12 hours at this stage.