
Hi,
I't been a full few days. Thanks for all your comments. I think I'm okay jet-lag wise. I'm, tired, but not ready to drop. I'll see how I go with another time change to Germany, not sure how much it is (if at all, actually) but there are three hours between Paris and London.
It'a eight am in Sydney at the moment. I know that because there are clocks on the wall at the hostel. I used L's magic number to call Berlin to confim my place in the hostel for tomorrow. I'm sure it was a very expesive way to call, but I've run out of pounds. Yay.
Working backwards, the last thing I did was, actually, eat dinner. I had an apple with my dessert, and was very pleased with myself. I also repacked everything, I think it will fit (forgot towel). I went the portrait gallery this afternoon. I'm not sure how well I did navigating around to see everything, but there was some great stuff. They had Oliver Cromwell and the wife of Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke in the same room. I am, apparently, realated to both. Also had Germain Greer. But most of the pictures were of British people I'd never heard of. James would do better.
Also, my feet were killing me because I was wearing my good shoes, because I went to church. (That's not actually immediately before, but you can work it out.) I attended the Sung Eucharist service at Westminster Abbey, because they don't let tourists in on Sundays, and I've never been too comfortable with visiting churches except as churches. It's amazing inside, and so old. They have tomb markers for people who died before Australia was thought of in Europe (and also a plaque to James Cook with us on it) and we have a seat in the front bit of the chruch. With our Kangaroo and Emu coat of arms.
The service was very nice, about John the Baptist and Advent and being firm in what you believe. I lit a candle, too. Speaking of chrurches, congratulations to Jono and Erin on their Wedding (which was Saturday).
The age of the Abbey and the surrounding area, and London itself is overwhelming after a while. I don't think the Londoners themselves think about it.
After chruch I caught the train to Notting Hill Gate to walk through Kensignton Gardens to the Peter Pan statue. I also went the other way first and walk along Portabello road, and back through side streets to the gardens. Along the main road is not very nice, and I had thought that London couldn't do beautiful (awe inspiring, yes, and grand, but not beautiful) but then I got there. There are some fabulous houses. It the sort of place the people who are responsible for the rest of London live in, I think.
Also, Kensington Gardens are fabulous. The walk to them is through the Embassies, and you can't take photos. But it was a real park, and still had autumn leaves. I sat by the pool and ate my lunch. Then got to see the Peter Pan statue. Which is very cute. And I got to see squirrels too, which was worth, I think, missing out on the V & A, because it's a more English/ London thing to have done. And I'm not sure I would have felt as much about what's there. I'll see it next time I'm in London.
Last night I ended up at Westmister to see what times the services were. And on the way back, also footsore, I found a supermarket, and got over the feeling that I will always need someone to look after me. (I do, but I'll be able to fake it by the time I get back.)
Yesterday afternoon I saw Les Mis. I got to the theatre just in time for the Matinee, and they had one returned ticket for the Dress Cirle. It was fabulous. The tube ads say Fall In Love All Over Again, and I did. I can say because I'm on the other side of the world, but Bec was right, Javert rules. (They had a particularly good Javert, and good direction of the interactions.)
I spend the morning in the Tate looking at everything I missed the previous night. It's open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Modern art is sometimes fabulous, sometimes not worth it, and often strange. I bought quite a few postcards of pieces. It's easier to talk about them with picutures.
I spent Friday morning and early afternoon at the Museum of London, which documents London's history since forever. Wow is this place old. They have exhibitions on the Romans, the fire, the royal families, all up to the Great War. I got to the see the treaurer's robes. I think he should still get to wear them, black and gold and sweeping. They also have Lord Nelson's sword. It had diamonds in the hilt.
I ended up at Trafalga square last night to see when the British Portrait Gallery opened and there was carol singing. Ah, so Christmasy.
It hasn't been too cold yet. And I haven't really needed my hat. I've been taking every thing around in my carry bag. Mostly feeling pleased with self for not getting too hungry, cold or foot sore.
I'll write again from Berlin. I've got my train ticket.