London 1

We had a very nerve racking drive to the Marriott Marble Arch hotel where we handed the car in without any dents. The roads were very busy but we got there thanks to the GPS on my phone. Our St James Court hotel is very central being half way between Buck House and Westminster Abbey and very near St James tube station

The first day we went to the Silver Vaults in Chancery Lane. When we were in London two months ago they were closed as it was a Bank holiday. Luckily for me Pen couldn't find what she was looking for but I did manage to sneek a couple of photos which is highly illegal. I didn't think anyone was looking but I was wrong and got told off. 

I had a long walk past Downing street and happened to see a small changing of the guard near Horse guards parade. I don't know which regiment it was as they seem to have different ones each day.

There are always police with machine guns at popular places.

Called in to NZ House to look at the Inia Te Wiata totara carving that I remember seeing in 1973. He died before it was finished but I think a relative completed it years later.

Back in 1973 you could collect your mail, have a cheap feed in the cafeteria and read the week old newspapers from home. None of that is possible these days.

New Zealand house was built in 1963 in a prime location but it looks out of keeping with the surrounding buildings.

The parks around the centre of London are great to wander around. There are always lots of people sitting around picnicking, children playing and generally relaxing.

Next day we took a 1 hour boat ride down the Thames to Greenwich. It was great seeing London sights from a different perspective.

I walked the kilometre or 2 to the Royal Observatory up the hill. 

Standing with a foot on each side ot the meridian line.

The museum had a wonderful collection of early clocks which were so essential for accurate navigation.

The sailing ship the Cutty  Sark is another tourist attraction at Greenwich. It was built in 1869 to cart tea from China to Britain and was the fastest sailing ship of its time.

 This super yacht is moared in the Thames and is owned by a British billionaire Joe Lewis. It has its own launch which fits in the side of the "ship".

That afternoon I looked at an exhibition in the Queens Gallery at Buckingham palace of artifacts which the Prince of Wales was presented with when he had his 4 month long tour of India in 1875.