London is Burning

 Saturday

The temperatures were forecast to be high again so we decided to go exploring early.  We travelled to The Hermitage Riverside Memorial Garden, near Tower Bridge.  The garden and memorial sculpture are in memory of the East London Civilians who were killed in the Second World War, and the suffering of those who lost relatives, friends and homes.  It was a lovely peaceful green area beside the Thames River.  It was also a designated place that you can legitimately fly a drone.  David was able to 'explore' a different aspect of the river.

From there we walked across Tower Bridge and down a lane to Horselydown Steps, located just east of the Bridge.  They are some of the oldest surviving 'Waterman's stairs.  Historically, the banks of the Thames feature hundreds of such access points which were used by watermen to tai passengers across the river or to old and unload cargo.  At low tide you can walk directly onto the riverbank but, unfortunately the river was high when we visited.  Directly across the river is the MI6 building - a James Bond moment!

We had the mandatory visit to Buckingham Palace where the crowds were really small.  Not sure if it was because we were there early or because of the heat.  Anyway, it was really pleasant.  Continued across the road to Hyde Park, and some shade, and walked to the New Zealand War Memorial.  The memorial is beautiful in its simplicity and, even in the middle of a busy city, a place of peace and reflection.

Ella had finished at the gym so we travelled to Bayswater and met her there.  The hot weather was a good excuse to sample another Knoops chocolate milkshake.  Just as delicious as yesterday.

David decided to head home and we went to IKEA to get a few more things, now that Ella has a flat to move into.  Love that shop plus it was much cooler than being outside.

The afternoon was spent trying to keep cool.  Finishing off with Malaysian takeaway from Queens Park village

Sunday

We treated ourselves to a visit to the local market again and bought a bunch of peonies, perfect as the ones from last week were starting to drop.  Ella commented that it wasn't as busy as usual - think many people are avoiding the heat.

Apart from a walk to the supermarket and a walk in the park, we have just been pottering.  Washing was crispy dry out on the deck and Ella has been working on her tan.

Hard to believe that our time here is nearly over and bags are nearly packed ready to go in the morning.  No matter how many times you visit London there are always so many interesting and different places to visit.  We are already planning for our next visit.