Youngs Abroad!: London

Monday
Sadly we had to say goodbye to our lovely Stables and the glorious weather. We were on the road just after 8.00 as the girls wanted to get back to London for a birthday brunch. It was a good decision as the return trip way much less busy than when we drove on Friday. Unfortunately the brunch was cancelled enroute, but an unplanned visit to Ikea was a great alternative. Ella bought a duvet, cushion and some plants for her room to make it more like 'her' place. We managed to return the rental car unscathed and made our way back to Bolingbrook Road.
We moved into our next Airbnb, which is about 10 minutes walk from Ella. It is below ground, on Holland Road, and comes with all the sound effects that you would expect in the middle of the city. Last night we were woken up by two helicopters hovering overhead. Not sure whether they found what they were looking for, but they certainly took their time.
We went to the local Waitrose Supermarket and cooked a delicious dinner to finish off a lovely weekend.

Tuesday
Ella went to the gym first thing and then we went to her place to help tidy up before the family returns tonight. They have been in Sri Lanka and the Maldives so will be pretty weary when they return. With the latest terrorist attackss, they will, no doubt, be very relieved to get home safely.
We met Ella's friend Brit and her boyfriend Danny, in the city and visited Abbey Road - along with lots of other tourists. It was still great to see though. From there we went into the city and wandered. Went into the Liberty store, which is in a spectacular old tudor building on Regent Street. We did think about going to Hamleys, but it was so crowded that decided against it. Explored China Town and Soho. Had lunch sitting in the sunshine in Golden Square then listed to some blues in the small bar near Temple City. As always, a trip to the centre of London is always interesting.
Ella enjoyed seeing her friends but it is always hard to say goodbye again. She s having dinner with Bertie, another NZ nanny, tonight and we had delicious pizza made by a Persian man in a takeaway pizza store nearby. Sounds like the end of the golden weather tomorrow with rain and cooler temperature forecast.