Continuing the London experience

Saturday 22nd November

Saturday, 8th November.

Would like to have gone a sail down the Thames but it was pretty cold, so Helen and I took the tour bus(me in wheelchair) but it was a disaster and an expensive one! Forty Pounds and we hardly saw a thing for scaffolding, being re-routed and always having to change buses! Rory said we'd have been cheaper taking a taxi! He said we should write to the bus company.

However, everything turned out fine as we finally got off near Trafalgar Square,made our way to Westminster Abbey and heard a military band playing followed by a huge crowd carrying green and white flags. Turned out it was the ninetieth anniversary of Poland's Liberation day.

I was really worried about Helen pushing me in the chair, but she said she was fine with it and we stopped lots of times

Lingered a while looking at the poppies and crosses outside Westminster Abbey.Really brings it home thinking about all those young lives lost-and still being lost!

Went down the Mall,looking at at all the memorials.One for all the women was impressive, just their uniforms hanging on pegs ready to be put on at short notice.Another one of the RAF looked as if the men were running to their planes.

Loads of people around, preparing for Sunday.When we came back up the band was playing in the Square and the crowds were singing Polish national songs. If I'd known the words, I would have joined in. Then a pop singer did a spot and he wowed the crowds too.

Took a taxi back.A nice cheerful,Cockney cabby.Took us round to see a spectacular firework display.

A wee rest, then met Rory and Ian at Giraffe in the Brunswick Centre and again had a lovely meal and enjoyed people watching and a blether.

Sunday Rory and Ian took me to the morning concert in the Wigmore Hall, while Helen and Al went shopping. I've always wanted to go there and I wasn't disappointed, as I really enjoyed it. A young Portugese string quartet were playing and a glass of sherry was included. Felt very cultured!!!! Off to meet Helen and Al in John Lewis.

While waiting Rory helped me choose a hat, as my head was very cold. I'd kidded Helen I would buy one with pigtails, but ended up with a red "tammy". Even the colour made me feel warmer.

Had lunch, then off to Liberty's. Beautiful shop, but so expensive! Saw lovely scarves I wanted to buy for the girls. Rory looked at the price. They were £90!

Back to hotel, then round to the flat where we had a good blether and a Chinese meal.
Monday morning after breakfast went to wee shop nearby, to buy stuff for the bairns, then off to King's Cross and home.

I'm so lucky having Helen as my sister.