London - Day 3

Wednesday, May 28

We had a great night out at the theatre last night so didn't rush to get up this morning, especially as it was still drizzling with rain, grey and chilly outside.

After breakfast we headed out for a walk along Oxford Street to soak up the atmosphere of London and partake in some retail therapy (especially as we now have more room in our cases). The number of people out and about reminded us of the difference between a city the size of Melbourne and a city the size of London. Oxford Street was a crush during lunchtime hours and very busy at other times. There were all the city sounds - sirens, traffic, car horns, music from stores, people chatting, people shouting and also all the smells - fresh bread, coffee, food being cooked, exhaust fumes from buses, drains, etc. - some good, some not so good but altogether, indicative of a vibrant, bustling city. With so many people around, many with umbrellas up, it was a real art ducking and weaving through the crowds as well as the cars, vans and buses at cross streets.

Al with Marble Arch in the background

We walked right along Oxford Street to Marble Arch - another blast from the past for Al as he lived in Marble Arch back in the '70's. We stopped for a photo opp then it was back along the other side of the street, as well as the detours down side streets and lane ways. One we walked along was St Christopher's Place - a lane saved by a trendy developer who saw merit in restoring it rather than demolishing it. It is now a gorgeous shopping street filled with trendy little boutiques and coffee shops.

A section of St Christopher's Place

As we had a dinner engagement with Lily Hockley (daughter of our friends, Col & Jenny), who has been living and working in London for the last two years, we headed back to our hotel in time to freshen up then walk to the restaurant near Oxford Circus. We had a great time with Lily and caught up on all her news and travels. It was good to hear she is loving her time in London and using its proximity to Europe to full advantage and seeing as much as possible - just like her dad and Al did way back when!

At Jackson + Rye restaurant for dinner with Lily

Due to many of the London restaurants not taking bookings we moved on to Soho where we were able to get in to Jackson + Rye restaurant. The food was really good and it was great to see Lily again. We said goodbye to Lily, and as the weather had improved we decided to walk back to our hotel.

 

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