Jayne's Account of Day in London

We got up early the next morning for our bus ride into London for our overnight stay.  We had no plans once we were there.  The bus was late and it is amazing how difficult it is to get into London.  There are no super highways – the last hour you are literally driving a tour bus through narrow residential streets. 

Once we got to the room – we were greeted by Ramon who did not have a list of our names or who was to room with whom Very disorganized.  We were given a pass code for the street door and a key to the flat.  There were not keys to the four rooms in the flat.  We had to wait for the room to be cleaned – which we did to allow ourselves to get oriented.  Room was sparsely furnished – two twin beds and two nightstands – nothing else.  Good sized bathroom with tub and good storage as well.  There was a shared kitchen and sitting area plus an entryway that had a large table and chairs, plus a common area half bath.  With our room made up with towels we left to find the tub and the area where we would meet Jordan Landes.  (Jordan is the daughter of Brian and Judy Landes.  The Landes family has provided Barry a place to stay in Winchester when he is there during the week.  The Landes children are all grown, but Barry had previously met Jordan and her husband Reiner.  They have lived in London for eight years.  Jordan originally worked for the library at the Globe and now she works at the University of London.  Because Brian was a British citizen throughout his life, Jordan has dual citizenship.)

Barry talked to someone on the street and asked about two different stations – for some reason he choice the one that was furthest from us – a long walk on rough cobble stones.  We got out and found a stop for lunch – near Russell Park.  After lunch we went to the British Museum.  It is huge – makes museums in the US look like the Madison Arcade!  We came in though a back or side door and found a very complete display of Islamic treasures.  We then came up and saw a wonderful display showing how we deal with living and dying though-out time and the world.  The center of the hall had a long display showing all the pills a person could take in a lifetime – it was amazing, each was labeled. We are pill junkies.  We saw an Easter Island statue – Hoa Hakananai, the Rosetta Stone clocks and watches and the most impressive display for me was the Ancient Egypt displays.  There were mummies and coffins plus so much more.  Will me interesting to look at their online site with our pictures once we get home.  Britishmuseum.org

We then meet Jordan and did a short walk around – showing us all the colleges and universities including the library where she works.  She suggested a wonderful restaurant – TAS Authentic Anatouan Turkish Cuisine.  Barry was getting sicker at this time so we went back to the flat.  Only to find that someone had used our towels and shower while we were gone.  Leaving us no towel – I stole one from another room to allow us one clean towel.   Lots of girls were in and out while I was using the free Internet – Cloud in the kitchen.  There was also a washer/dryer there I attempted to use.  I did not know what I was doing and it took 1.45 to wash the clothes and I had to end up drying them on the drying racks – which ended up working quite well.