What's the difference?? Chavless!!

Well, they did it again! They left me home alone watching the telly....and all there is in English are the news channels!

They went out later tonight and had a nice meal ......at the same place again! I ask you!!

But they explored a bit wider an area tonight....and as you do they went to ....a train station? The station....Gare St Lazare is one of many railway stations dotted round the city...but puts Aberdeen station in the shade! Over three levels there were shops....restaurants and there were many platforms with trains arriving and departing regularly! The station was very modern and again the chance to do more people watching is always interesting!

They had a pleasant strol back and explored some of the street around the hotel!

However, on the the topic of people watching they have discovered the main difference you notice when when you visit Paris and London! There is a distinct lack of Chavs! Now...that sounds bad.....but to be honest a lot of people could learn a few lessons by visiting London or Paris! The women are dressed very stylishly and whether they are aiming for chic or shabby-chic they do it with ease....and the one thing you won't find at those ridiculous huge, clumpy shoes that everyone insists on wearing at home! Flat shoes or a classic heal are the order of the day and they look all the better for it. 

Anyway....looking forward to tomorrow!!

Oh yes ....and ask a Frenchman the time...you will get many different answers!!

Day 5 -Magnifique Anniversary!

Well, apparently today is their anniversary! Twenty-seven (Vigny-sept ans) years ago they got married in Kemnay...and here they are in the city of romance on that day 27 years later! So...I should be glad they took me with them!

They slept in today....and the early start they had hoped for did not entirely work out! So...by 11am they were ready to go! I had been ready for ages....but they just wasted the valuable time they had in the city of love! So....after chasing them they were off! First order of business was breakfast! Well, by this time it should, have been lunch!

The plan for the day was ambitious and starting late meant they were going to struggle! They walked down towards the Seine and went past the magnificent Madeleine Church built in honour of Mary Magdalene. The huge Romanesque columns made this building a real stand out feature of the square it is located in. Before entering the Place de la Concorde they headed back to look for a cafe! Eventually they found one up a side street and sat and had the usual tea and latte (although he didn't get the latte he expected!!) with French bread! Because it was so late they had missed out on the early morning. Croissants! 

   It's the real thing!!

So...back to the Place de la Concorde! (I was expecting to find an air France Concorde sitting in the vast space...but I'm still looking!) the square was huge and forms part of the Champs Élysées stretching between The Louvre and The Arc De Triomphe!  As the. Tour de France finishes here at the weekend there was a lot of work going on to prepare all the barriers and stands for spectators! They looked at the fountains and Cleopatras Needle before heading for the Pont de la Concorde. Again crossing was entertaining!the traffic screams from everywhere and they make up their own minds if they follow the lights or crossing signals! And...motorbikes.....I don't think I have ever seen so many motorbikes and scooters! They are everywhere.....screaming past you close to the pavements and parked In every conceivable place you can see. I would not like to drive here (well I can't drive anyway) but bikes might be the way to go...but only if you can survive being hunted down by the maniac car drivers!

From here you could see the Louvre in the distance but not well and to the right you could make out the Arc away in the very far distance! It was here they got their first view of the Eiffel Tower which was where they were making for.

At this point I should say that I had arrived in Paris thinking I might be a little disappointed....it is hyped up and sometimes places do not live up to their expectations! However, as a bear who has travelled the world I can honestly say this would rank among the top three or four places I have visited! The building and architecture is magnificent and around every corner something new awaits to surprise you and take your breath away. It certainly did not disappoint, apart from the horrendously long queues everywhere that were a real pain! All these damned tourists should, just head off somewhere else!

Their first view of the Seine was great! To appreciate  it they went across knee side looking east and then crossed so they could take in the view to the west! The Thames in London is wonderful, and the sights along it are amazing.....but it is far more modern and cosmopolitan compared to the classical architecture along the river! From here you could look round 360 degrees and see places of great beauty. Instead of walking along the river they headed towards The Hotel Des Invalides. This imposing building houses the remains of Bonaparte and the glinting golden dome can be seen from many different locations round the city! The cannons surrounding it and the gardens made it a worthwhile viewing spot! The hotel was built originally to provide a place for injured and disabled soldiers from the many French wars that took place through much of the 17th and 18th centuries!From there they continued to the Ecole Militiare (Military a school) which was another building on a grand scale. This military school was built to provide officer training for recruits from poor families and again Napoleon Bonaparte was its most successful graduate! Well, successful in the fact that he rose to be leader and took the French into many wars!

From here they were ready to get the clear view of The Eiffel Tower from the. Champ de Mars situated next to the military school. The crowds were definitely increasing now and even though the tower was some distance away everyone was either making their way there or there way from there. The Japanese were out in force and were snapping away ten to the dozen! However, they were not much better and they must have snapped the tower countless times from all sides by the time they left! 'Let's take our photo here.......ok...we are a bit closer.....let's take another one......ok....closer still....another one......ok...we are under it......another one!!'

However, nothing prepares you for the moment you see it in all it's glory! It sheer height alone amazes you and you can see the tiny figure on the second level milling about.....but you can't see anyone at the top as it is over 1000 feet above you!

I too had several photos taken around the tower as you can see! They had tried to book tickets to go up....even to the first or second levels at least last week before they left...but there was only one time left on the night they leave at 11.30pm! So....they had no tickets! But..the queues might not be too bad! Well, you can think again! The guide books do say.....like the cubs.....BE PREPARED...to queue for a long time! Now,w e Brits are good at this so I don't know how all these European lot and Americans were coping because the queues were ridiculous! 

As Shakespeare said....'To queue or not to queue that is the question?' Well, Linda made it quite clear.....'I AM NOT QUEUEING HERE IN THIS HEAT FOR THAT LENGHT OF TIME....NO WAY!' So...that was that! Obviously 27 years of marriage and training meant that he did not argue or even say....well....we could try!! The feeling was....we should come back in the autumn when it would be cooler and quieter and go then!!

So we made it to the shade under the tower! The crowds mingled and vied for places to take photos and many queued and queued and queued! 

They bought an ice cream and headed down to the river again and sought out some shade to sit in for a few moments! Of course, the place would have been a bit quieter if every second person there was not trying to sell you bottled water out of a bucket (well...not water from a bucket....but bottles of water stored in a bucket of what would have been cold water when it started!!) or trying to sell you a model of the tower from the hundreds they had on wire coat hangers. I was tempered to ask to see the gold one...the one right in the middle of the hanger.....and then after checking it out saying I would think about it and come back! But A for some reason didn't think it was a good idea....especially as the 45 other guys with the coat hangers were his mate also 

So....down by the river they viewed the many cruise boats go up and down the river it was stifling hot and sitting in these....many under glass or plastic roofs must have Ben a trial....unless they did have air conditioning on them!

So...still snapping the tower from this side now they moved on to cross the river yet again. This time it was the Pont D'lena they crossed! It took them towards another great spectacle - The Jardins Trocadero! Here the way led up to The Pallais de Chaillot and the Trocadero Fountains! Now, these were some very impressive fountains! Typically French....some had to force of water cannons and the spray could be felt from at least 100m away! But with the heat many were indulging in a chance to cool down..or get totally soaked in the process! I am sure one or two have been caught out and ended up totally drenched without expecting it!

Again...plenty more photos were taken and where possible they asked other people to take one for them together! They never ask me for some reason!

From here they climbed the steps up to the two imposing buildings at the top of the hill and looked for....the toilet! Then it was back down once more, after applying some more sun cream, the make their way along the Avenue De New York on the way now to the Arc de Triomphe! Oh....they stopped and shared a huge cheese and ham baguette and stocked up on water again! So....no ice cream for me....no baguette....just as well I am not high maintenance! They went this way to see the replica of the flame from the top of the Statue of Liberty in New York at the Pont De L'alma! Well, it was a bit of a disappointment! Unusual for something almost American not to be big and brash! However, the chain round the flame had many padlocks locked on to it by visitors who had visited previously! 

Now the challenge was to make it to the Arc de Triomphe....not the horse race...but the huge arch at the far end of the Champs Élysées. They made it to the Avenue D'iena and soon they could make out the giant structure through the tree lined avenue as they got closer! This area was certainly quieter but I think that was dispute to the fact that most people either approached up the Champs Élysées as opposed to this route. On arrival agin the area was thronged by tourists jostling to take photos of it with none of the lam posts or poles in the way! Again queue looking for someone to take a photo of them!

However, initially Linda's concern was.....how do you GET across to it! The arch is in the middle of an island on a roundabout! Now....talk about bad planning when they built it! At least with the Eiffel Tower they built it in a park next to the river! Here....they built it in the middle of what appeared to be a stock car race track! I kid you not....cars, lorries, buses, bikes (nutters) and emergency vehicles (no surprise there then!) were careering round it....and I swear I saw one car continually going round the inside lane as they were stuck and could not get off again! Either they take their lives in their hands and brave trying to change lanes, queue the toots and blaring of horns, or they keep going until they run out of petrol and bring the place to a standstill!!

Anyway, when Andrew said....are we going over.....Linda looked at him and winced! Now....a one or two laneround about.....you might risk it if you were fleet of feet and brave.....but a six land free for all.....no chance! But.....they had provided a safer means of getting there.....an underpass which takes you to the most undeserted island in Paris! 

So off they went! So...A wanted to go up but Linda was not keen....well...it was got..and they had walked miles by now....but she said...ok.....you go and get tickets and I will sit in the shade under the arch! Well, off he went.....but all the bloody tourists who had been queuing to get up the Tower were now here....and again the queue was very long and would have taken at least 30-45 minutes just to get to the ticket office! So...that's another one for the autumn visit one day!      He went round and took some photos....with me also.....but being so close to the Arc it is all sot impossible to get a photo of the whole thing as it is so big!  It is around 50 metres in height and the view no doubt would have been great! Again this was another erection to glorify another war Napoleon had led the French into! It makes you wonder.....if the French, well Napoleon really, had not been so feisty and determined to expand the French Empire what would the modern day Paris be like! Who would be coming to visit all these amazing buildings and structures if the French had been a peaceful, quiet and reserved nation in the 17th and 18th centuries? It's a question that begs a lot of contemplation!!  

Anyway, back through the underpass and it was time to head back to the hotel! They were now going to head back down the Champs Élysées to The Place Del la Concorde where they had begun around 5 hours ago! The Champs is a wide and leafy avenue that beats any London Street and is bustling with a mix of tourists and Parisians shopping in the designer shops that such an area attracts. They stopped and looked around one shopping arcade which had a wide range of shops and attractions (guys shoes at over €1000.... I don't thin so...) and had a stop at Starbucks while soaking up the atmosphere!

Again the preparations are ongoing for the final day of the tour and after what seemed a long walk they made it back to where they started and veered off to find the hotel for a rest while I write up,the blog!

So....day one in Paris! It did not disappoint! In fact, Paris is a beautiful city and it seems to have retained so much of its original architecture compared to places like London where much of it has been replaced with high rise rowers that dominate the horizon. Perhaps the fact that so much of the building was of the classical design and built to last means it has endured where many cities have had to regenerate large areas due to necessity. The streets are wide, the pavements are wide and trees dominate much of the streets! Perhaps in the dim and distant past a little old town planner had a vision of powered machines ruling the streets instead of horses and carts and ensured that they were wide enough to allow everyone their space to toot and screech their tyres as they race round the city......at very slow speeds!

Anyway, I can't wait for tomorrow and the chance to look further down the Seine to the Louvre and Notre Dam and The Ile De Cite! My poor hunched back will be at home there.....well you spend your time stuffed in a camera bag and see how you like it!!

Anyway, Bon sour for now! I hope you enjoy some of the photos!
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Day 4 - "Paris, nous voici"

Well, an early start today! It was time to 'pack up your trash' and head out! So....once the cases were repacked (don't you just hate unpacking everything for just three nights.....but someone t
Said they could not live out of the suitcase!!) they headed out for breakfast! Back AGAIN to Cafe Benugo - if nothing else they are creatures of habit! Once again they sat and watched everyone going about their business before moving on for a final stroll about! First stop was 'Liberty'   - but they must be one of the companies that let their workers rack up after the pre-nine rush as the shop does not open until10am! So....no wandering round looking at all the things we could not put into the packed cases!

So...they headed up to Regent Street and had a look about their before heading back up to the hotel via the BBC once again! Still no celebs so all in all quite a poor strike rate! After a final check they gathered up the the bags and checked out of the hotel! Now, the question was do they walk, take the tube or a taxi to St Pancras? Well, walking was no good, and the tube required a walk to Oxford Street and then getting down to the train level with four bags! So, taxi it was! The receptionist asked them if they needed a taxi....to which they said yes and she said she would phone! Well, 15 minutes later they were still waiting so when they enquired how long it might take, she sheepishly said she would check! Next thing we see is the poor door man running to the end of the street to hail a taxi! Well, they could have done that themselves! 

On arrival at St Pancras the next issue was finding where to go! This, of course, had to follow a toilet stop! St. Pancras and King's Cross seem to be right next door and the station was like an airport terminal Shops and cafés were in abundance and they stopped in Prét to pick up a picnic lunch to take on board!

Check in was like a 'cut back' airport check in! They scanned their tickets and made their way through to the security check area. Being in the bag was worrying for me as I am always worried that I might be discovered and have to explain why I have no passport or visa. Another thing that concerns me is going through that x-ray security machine! I have no idea if these do me any harm or not? And why do I never get picked up on this? Do I have some sort of diplomatic immunity??
Passport control was typical....walk up, present passports, try to smile and be pleasant while some gruff, fed up looking person looks at the picture and thinks 'Wow, they haven't aged well!' And hand it back with not so much as a smile! I think I know someone who could get a job there!!

Then it was find a seat and wait till the flight......sorry.....train....was called! Tea and a latte later the call went out and suddenly there was a charge for the moving walkways that would take you to the platform! Once on the platform they had to find their coach and then stow their luggage! Finding their seats they realise they are I between two windows....typical.....so the view in the tunnel will not be what it could have been!!

At precisely 12.25pm the train takes off....sorry.....glides away......and they start wondering about the route! You would imagine that you go south....as France is to the south! And the question they discussed was why build the International Terminal north of London when they have to go through London to get to the channel! But of course, they were not going south. They were heading east and South east towards Dover! The only part of London they saw from the train was the top half of The Shard! Before they knew it they were out in the country and then suddenly we were in the tunnel! And then.....we were in France! The ticket said the journey took just over three hours....but this included the time change of an hour forward in France! So before they knew it they were there! 

The train was extremely long and it took quite a time to make it down the platform and like in an airport everyone appears to be rushing to get out first! They took their time....knowing that soon they would need to make a decision about which was to go to their hotel! Now, this was because someone, not giving anything Way, had checked on Google maps how far it was from Gars Du Nors to the hotel! Well, the route finder plotted a fairly straight forward route....and said it should, take around 10 minutes! Well! No need for a taxi if it's only ten minutes! Having battled through all the taxi touts at the exit someone looked quite confident saying....'Non' to any eager taxi tout....before they stopped to decide on which way they have to go! Now, if you have a map and a phone....it means you DONT have to ask the way! Checking the street names he made an educated guess and set off! 'This way, Linda, follow me!' He was like Stanley heading off Into the African jungle looking for Livingstone! 

Well, he did get it right....and numerous stops to check progress against the phone map showed they were in truth heading the right way! However, it was hot.....I mean HOT....and they dodged in and out of any available shade as they went! They were looking for Rue de Lafayette. They found this....and he kept on saying....'Its just at the end of this street and then off to the right!' Well, that was true,...but the street stretched ahead like Regent Street or Oxford Street! Well, they walked and walked! Not far now!! Honestly, not far now.,!

Both were thinking ...if the other one says let's get a taxi....fair enough! But, no one said it...so on they went! Mind you....the roads seemed to be at total gridlock at every major junction so goodness knows how long it would have taken!

Finally they found Rue do Matherins....and so...really....it was .....not far now! At long last they made it and almost collapsed into the reception area! It wasn't the distance....it was the heat.....the four cases....the people who seemed innocuous to the fact we were laden down with luggage.....the pavements with steep kerbs and dealing with zebra crossings that really are NOT zebra crossings! Some...you just seem to step out.....others you wait for the 'green man' and when it does go on it does not necessarily mean the traffic won't continue to come your way! Poor A was slightly put off by the colours of the red and green man! The 'green' here is NOT the green of home and both red and green looked distinctly similar making it awkward int he crowds! And then there is the running water! Many of the streets seemed to have running water flowing along the kerbs....but where it came from they are not sure!

But they were there! When entering a hotel one likes to look cool, well travelled and as if it was what you are used to doing every day of your life! However, they piled in with their cases in tow looking rather hot and sweaty and relieved tok have made it. You could see the guy on reception thinking....'Oh my god, here come the Clampetts!'

During check in the guy mellowed a little and asked if we had just arrived! A explained they had come by the Eurostar but that Google had said it was a ten minute walk from the station! He looked a little surprised.....no....it's definitely NOT 10 minutes....so I presume you took a taxi?

At the point there was a moments silence....do you say....yes, of course we took a taxi or front up and impress him that we battled on and walked! Well, he was slightly surprised....but it apparently did not lead to an instant discount not he hotel cost!

He have us a map and pointed out a few places we might be interest in visiting....you know....places like....Notre Dame, The Eifel Tower, The Louvre and Sacre Couer! Well, at that point A did. To think it was appropriate to pull out the three day itinerary....rather just thank him and say....oh that's great.....Merci!!

The hotel is very nice but again they have the room on the top floor at the very END of the corridor! Is that where they put all Scots??

The room is nicely decorated but a major FLAW is the lack of a Kettle! Never, after a myriad of hotel rooms up and down the UK have they had a hotel room with no tea and coffee making facilities! So much so they even hunted for the kettle!

However, the toilet has facilities for two to go together! However, one of them has no seat and there is a tap which could prove problematic! I then wondered if it was a Ted sized bath or jacuzzi....but Linda told me quietly it was a place where I could wash my paws!! Oh...well....ok!!
And the bath has TWO showers! Now, what's that all about??

Anyway, it is very nice! And yes....they had to unpack once again! 

So...after having a rest and recovering from their lengthy case trail and Linda managing to get a fix on Facebook once again they were off out for tea! They took the map and headed off into the unknown! They followed the streets and went where they thought there was a bit of life! Before long they ended up at the Gare St Lazare and started looking in restaurants! They found one which was very busy...Cafe Marco Polo...and they thought they would try it! The waiter, on the ball....offered us a menu in Anglais! The meal was very nice, sitting outside in the sun and heat.....with a nice cold beer ...what more could you ask? Well, not having some large lady sit right next to you who only ordered a shot of coffee to set about playing games on her Samsung tablet....while smoking incessantly!  The meal was lovely and did not cost the earth!

But, there is a far greater number of smokers here than London! And of course smoking in public places is banned and so as we looked around everyone was trying to look cool with a wide range of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and very jazzy slim, silver cigarettes! They will need to sus out if they can smoke inside or if they can smoke anywhere!!

So...tomorrow beckons....and day one is all planned out! I wonder how long it will take before it goes pear shaped!? We, and you, shall find out tomorrow!

So....it's Bonsoir from them and Bonsoir from me!!



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Paris Bound!

Well, here we go! Stowed away on the train! Feel a bit like Paddington! Just the wrong station and I'm leaving the country - but you know what I mean! 

Knowing them they may stick a sign round my neck -'Please look after this bear, thank you!!'

Aurevoir for now!!

 

Day 3 - Hot, Hot, HOT!!!

Well....today has been very hot....and as a furry bear I can testify to the fact it was very uncomfortable! Which makes it all the worse when you see so many going about that look chic and fool despite the conditions! Don't you just hate some people!!

So....they slept in today and they better not do that tomorrow or they might have to swim the channel instead of go under it! The went back to Cafe Benugo (www.benugo.com ) for breakfast and after a brief stop they were off...although later than hoped!

Today was going to be the 'long walk day' as the mid point of their walk would be Tower Bridge....which is a long way from the BT Tower where they are close to! They headed up and across Oxford Street and into Soho! 10am in Soho is probably too early to catch any 'excitement' but they walked through a number of the narrow streets! The highlight....helping a lady in a courier can to reverse round into a busy street so she could take off to her next delivery! Not really what you would hope for!     (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soho )

From there they headed into  China Town....again normally a very busy place but this morning there were deliveries going on and little old Chinese women were out shopping! No dragons, no Chinese music but still plenty to see! Many shops were selling wide varieties of food - chickens, ducks, lobsters and even some of the bits you would not normally think of....like ducks feet deep fried and ready to......crunch, suck or goodness know s what! And..surprisingly they found some Durian fruit! Large, very odd, mis-shaped fruits they are ok to look at - but don't open them as the stench from them is over powering! So...who will be buying these? Goodness knows....but not even Linda would try them again after her Singapore experience!

From China Town they finally came upon Trafalgar Square and they paid a visit to The National Gallery! Yes.....a cultural art Gallery.....but I soon discovered it was just a toilet stop...one of many during the day!so...they went in.....found a toilet....and left without seeing one Portrait!! Heathens!

So...out in Trafalgar people were battling through the crowds! The fourth plinth has a new exhibit....a huge, vivid blue Cockerel..which must be at least 10 feet high. I wonder if it was sponsored by Kellogg's?  PS...that's it on the LEFT!!




The rest of the square (which it actually is not really) was bustling with tourists from many different nationalities! There are many street entertainers, mainly of the statue variety, who all seemed to be into appearing as if they were hovering a over he ground as they stood there! One would have been novel....but three or four all in a row...it loses the impact!

They took some photos at the fountain and a couple of selfies (oh dear o dear!) before he thought he'd be clever and climb up to one of the lion's! Well, she should have had the video going! But he made it...but decided against clambering to the front of it! He got his photo taken then a lady from Kansas asked if we wanted a onto taken together! Well, Linda said there was no way she was going up, even though her son offered to 'pull her up'!! But she stood below the lion and they had their photo taken! But the lady cut the he'd off the ....lion! Anyway, they reciprocated and took one of the lady and her son! At that point I was passed up to the guy to be placed on the back of the lion! Oh, the indignity of it all! But I too got my photo taken but I suddenly realised how small I am compared to the huge lion!

They moved on and headed for the wee river embankment! They were heading for the Millennium Bridge so they could continue walking down the south side of the Thames.  First they went under the Hungerofrd Bridge before discovering the Embankment Gardens. They are a little oasis of quietness and beauty between high rise buildings and the river! It was popular with people sitting having lunch and the posers out with their physical trainers!  (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Embankment_Gardens )

So...they have a statue of Robbie but NAE Andy! Come on!!

By this time the heat was getting uncomfortable and there is not much shelter down by the river! the Millennium Bridge is metal and so almost radiates heat! But it is always busy and is a direct route to the Tate Modern Gallery at the other side of the Thames.  Again they gave this a miss and headed along the river!

The south bank from The Tate to Tower Bridge is a gret stretch to visit! The office blocks are full of busy working people in their stylish get ups and then mixed in you have a variety of tourist attractions! The Globe Theatre is a magnet...but they have done this before! there is HMS Belfast, The Clink Prison, Borough Market and a Hays Galleria! Then at the end of the stretch you come out and get spectacular views of The Shard, the London Mayor's office building and a huge complex of office buildings. They had lunch in Prêt, again, before heading to Borough Market for a gander! When they reach the 'courtyard' area round the Mayor's Office it is thronged with people eating their lunch in the blazing sun! There are tourists and hundreds of office workers! Many, the stylish women mainly, are either sitting gossiping about office goings on or how their friends are being difficult or they are sitting on their phones checking Facebook or texting! They are topping up their tans as they sit and take a break from their desk!

It is back across the river once again this time at Tower Bridge. It is always great to walk over this iconic bridge and it is always thronged by people taking photos and selfies as they go.  The poor workers must get royally pissed off as they try and make their way through the crowds!

Linda needs a loo stop again and once off the bridge we enter a Starbucks and she joins a queue which takes about 20 minutes to go down! Toilets are in short supply generally and where ever you see a queue it's usually a toilet!

So.....off they went again along the North bank making their way back to the hotel...still quite a few miles away! They got great views of the Shard, Tower Bridge and Hays Galleria! 

The target this afternoon was The Monument! ( www.themonument.info/) The Monument is a tribute to the people killed during the Great Fire of London in 1666! When Linda saw it stretch into the air and realised there was NO lift...she said 'I'm not going up there!' So he set off by himself! They gave The Shard a miss as tickets  would have cost £60 between them but this was a pinch at £4. So Andrew set off while Linda sat at the bottom and looked up waiting is see if he would MAKE it to the top! Well...I can vouch he did as I made it to the top also! 311 steps up and 311 steps down make it quite a challenge! At least you feel you earn the view when you make it up the spiralling staircase that seems to go on and on and on! The top is not huge and everyone there squeezes past taking photos through the netting to stop you taking the quick way down! 

You got views right round and could see most of the major landmarks in that area! A great view and well worth the climb if you are fit enough! And....you get a certificate once you come back down! Well, I didn't as you guessed she could not see me stuck in the bag as ever! But I did my bit and helped!

From there it was the long walk back to the hotel! Right up Cannon Street and The Strand with only St Paul's on the way to break the long trek! Next time they will do St Paul's but they always seem to end there by the end of the day when they are tired and ready for a break!

They returned to the hotel via Covent Garden and Soho once again before resting up before heading out to shop and eat!

They need to pack the cases tonight as it's off to St  Pancras tomorrow and the Eurostar to Paris! Oui, should be fun!  

More later!
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Slipping Standards

Oh dear....only day three and they are sleeping in! Age is now my problem..being held back by two ageing folk will slow down my social life!

AND....they left me home alone last night when they went to Sergio's!!

http://www.sergiosw1.co.uk

Oh well...let's hope I get breakfast!! 

Day 2 You CANNOT Be Serious!!

After the early start on Sunday it was a long lie today...till 8am!
Up and out by 9 the streets had a different feel than yesterday's quieter arrival on a Sunday morning in London! Today was Monday - so there was more urgency about everyone as they made their way to work! However, there must be more flexitime here as many obviously don't start at 9am. Mind you, with the number of people heading in to Central London there would be no way of getting everyone to work before 9am! 
They looked for a breakfast spot and found a nice cafe on Great Titchfield Street. They sat and had toast and coffee and people watched as they came and went or as they went passed the cafe on the street! For men suits and open necked shirts are the in thing or even more casual work wear. As for the ladies they range from 'shabby chic' to outright glam or the ageless 'classic' look which can't be beaten! Mind you....trying to get a good view from the partly opened zip of my camera bag does make it a little bit of a challenge! I'd really need good sun glasses so it doesn't look like I'm staring!
Next they headed off to Oxford Circus tube station to get their tickets! Today they were heading south to the leafy suburbs of Orinoco's Great Uncle Bulgaria's home area! 

Apparently they were off to play tennis?

Tickets bought it was more people watching as they waited for the train to take them to Notting-hill Gate where they would change trains and head off to Wimbledon! As it was still early-ish the tube train was still heaving! Everyone crowded on to the train but at least they did not have four pieces of luggage to deal with either!  

But the tube is an entertainment! People sit and stare at you! Some avoid all eye contact whatsoever while others plug their headphones in and enjoy their own company while the music thumps and beats away with a tinny echo! Others diet and read.....The Metro is the paper of choice...but as you can pick it up free that does help! Others read books, kindles or magazines! Those with books try and impress by reading books with obscure titles or unknown authors! Those with kindles are more difficult to figure out! Are they reading Proust or sneakily indulging in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'?? Mind you, at 9amis that really going to set you up for the day?

They get off at Nottinghill and change lines to get the next train! This time it is a lot quieter and the train is brand new! They travel onwards both over and under ground (but no Wombles yet!!) through a number of well known places. It becomes apparent that it must pay to be a builder in London! Every second house has either extended upwards, into the loft space or even underground!! They lost count of the number of roof top BBQ's they saw or patio tables perched precariously on roof top decking areas!

Anyway, they made it to Wimbledon and the end of the line. Next was a walk to the 'All England' club! They could have got a bus....but no....it was more walking! House watching and general nosiness meant the soon made the short walk to the hallowed green clad buildings of Wimbledon. You could see Centre Court and Court No 1 towering from a distance and it was easily recognisable due to everyone's familiarity of ot from TV. But nothing can replace seeing it for real and marvelling at the sheer beauty of the venue as you approach and enter the park! But, WHY visit when the tennis has just finished? Gee, talk about bad timing! The guard on the gate said they could get refreshments if they wanted or perhaps had time yo get their photos taken next to Fred Perry's statue next to one of the entrances to Centre Court. So that's what they did and I got my chance too! However, I was worried he might try and volley me out of the park! Well. All I asked him was where was Andy's statue?? He pointed out he had won THREE championships so perhaps Andy needs to win again! Cheeky monkey!

Their tour was booked for 12.30pmand it was only 11.30. They collected their tickets and headed to the 'Wigfield Cafe' for a spot of lunch! The cafe is named after the man who drew up and publicised the rules of 'lawn tennis' back in the 1800s.the cafe did not have an extensive menu on offer - but for Linda it had the one thing she wanted.....Strawberries and cream......Wimbledon style! She was delighted....and the only thing that would have made it better was if they had been heading to Centre Court to see a match!

The tour set off at 12.30pm. Around 30 people were in the group led by Paul and Paul! Paul 1 was the guide while Paul 2 was the man charged with ensuring everyone stayed together, didn't venture where they weren't supposed to and that no one was left behind after the group had moved on!

They started by looking at the huge score boards that were updated daily with details of the matches, scores and player seedings. Then the were shown four of the 'outer courts' which are squeezed in between Centre Court and Court No 1. Two of them were unused this year as they had been dug up so that more press and player facilities could be built under them before the courts were re-laid on top of them! They really use all of the space they have! The next major project they have will be putting a sliding roof on Court 1 so that if rain does come then the two show courts are both available for TV coverage! These outer courts, most of them, have little room round them and would not have many people able to crowd round and watch!

The tour moved to Court 1. Even as you walked up the steps, and you knew there was no play to be seen, the excitement grew to see the arena and the sea of green hits you.....grass, seats, roof and everything else. We take a seat and listen as the guide counters on, often repeating himself, as everyone else looked round avidly or took video or photos! I tried out one of the seats - but why oh why are they always sprung loaded?? I don't have a lot of weight on my side to hold the seat down! I was lucky I did not make an unexpected catapult towards the court when the seat folded closed! But it would be something to see the court full and buzzing! 

The court did look a bit worn, but they won't treat the worn baseline grass till later on! The disappointment was that all the 'Wimbledon-esque' items were not there! The green netting round the court where the line judges sit, the fridge for the players drinks and the scoreboards are no where to be seen! They are not left out for us to see and you somehow feel robbed of the full experience! The other thing that hits you is how small the court looks. You know how big a tennis court is - bug it still looks smaller than you get the impression from TV! 

So, they moved on from here and then headed out yo Henman Hill or Murray Mound! Well, it has to be Murray Mound! Linda felt it too looked smaller than it does on TV! It is more stepped than you imagine and the big screen too is gone! All you can see is the two points where the massive screen is secured in place! They make their way up the mound but are asked to keep off the grass! This is a disappointment, considering the thousands and thousands who had plonked themselves there during the tournament and the fact lots of it was dry and burnt! But up the steps they went to get the view back over the two show courts and the view out to Central London in the distance!

From there they went down to the broadcasting centre and through in to the players area! We saw the broadcasting centre....well...the corridor with doors saying BBC. ESPN and the Tennis Channel but none of gone doors were opened! Perhaps Sue Barker is locked away in one of them waiting for next years outing!!

From there they went to see the players outdoor tea area and restaurant and they were told that players get a £25 daily food allowance! Well, considering that a first round exit guarantees a £25000 pay day you'd think they could afford their own coffee and sandwich....oh....and of course strawberries and cream!

The press centre was next and a visit to the players after match press conference room! This was impressive and everyone got the opportunity to have a photo taken in the players chairs in front of the gathered press!

I got my chance to be interviewed and explained that really the bets are too high for me and so it was hardly surprising I lost in the final!!  
Finally it was across to Centre Court. This was what everyone was waiting for! And believe me it did not disappoint - despite there being none of the centre court items there! Even the Royal Box had no seats! But again everyone sat and waited for the opportunity to get their photos taken!

The your was great and was well worth it! From my point of view it was great.....smuggled in in the bag meant I got in free! So I can't complain!

From there it was off to the museum and.....you guessed it the shop! The museum was excellent and traced the development of tennis from the early days in Victorian times to the modern day and if course Andy Murray's success in 2013! It had a mix of old and new and used up to date technology and 3d films to show off the excitement of the competition. You could track the development of the racquets and clothes ( including several pairs if frilly underwear!!) and there was an excellent multimedia insight from John McEnroe on his views of the championships!

All in all this was excellent and I can just see the two if them next year......oh.....we saw that, we sat there....we were photographed there! I think I will hide for a fortnight!! 

They walked back to another tube station and made the journey back to Marble Arch before their off peak ticket stopped working due to the home time rush hour!

They finished off with a visit to Prêt at Marble Arch before taking in some of the shops on Oxford Street! Linda seems to have a fixation about .mulberry handbags.....but they obviously were not for sale....as they did not have price tags!!

They ended up once again in the coffee shop outside Broadcasting House and sat waiting to spot more celebs or B or C listers .....but left disappointed when no one appeared!Tonight they are off to Sergio's Restaurant which is next to the hotel!it is Linda's favourite and again it is quite popular with the celebs! 

I wonder....will I get to go too, we shall see!

      Interview time! Oh the pressure!

   So....where's Andy? 

   Let's go Andy Let's go!!

    Mmmmmm....nice view!

   Someone played here for 11 hours!

    Couldn't be very good!!

   Here I am - Press Ted!!

    Well, I knew I'd win eventually!!

    Oh very funny! Who's a tube??

   Centre Court! Wow!!