Thursday - Exploring Downtown London - Just Lulu and I

Merry Christmas from London.

Merry Christmas from Somerset House. At one time every newspaper in London had to be sent here and stamped before it could be distributed.

We got up around 9 AM - started by walking south. Lulu wanted to see an art exhibit at the Somerset House. There were two - the first one was photos of young disabled vets by Bryan Adams - the second one was a history of Deborah Harry - the punk rocker Blondie. Outside - there was a skating rink full of skaters. Not bad for a school day.

Next we walked to the Imperial War Museum. The main attraction was a new display explaining the First World War. I am always impressed with the captured rockets from World War II - the V-1 and the V-2. 

We had lunch and dinner downtown - did a lot of shopping and riding on double decker buses. By 4 PM - it was pitch dark. There was a bit of a mist of rain - but the Christmas lights and carolers made it all fun. By 9 PM we were back to our apartment. We had our cup of tea before bed - and now I am trying to write this thing up. 

Lulu and I love England in general and London in particular. There is so much to do and the place seems so civilized. Of course we are in a fancy section of town. We usually come here every July when Lulu teaches a course for FSU. In the summer is stays light until 11 PM. It is warm - but not AC warm. 

To me - London seems like the capital of the world - at least the crossroads of the world. There are tourist here from all over. Having seem the Christmas holiday stuff - I prefer the summer in London to the winter in London. 

We checked into Delta Airlines today for our flight home. They emailed us to say they are accepting bids for passengers to give up their seats for cash. Lulu and I offered to give up our seats for tomorrow's flight for $800 each. We would then be flown home free on the next flight. We will find out tomorrow if they need our seats. You may re-call last time we were here - Lulu got bumped from two flights for $1100 each. Wish us luck. 

This is a bust of Nehru - at India Place

Somerset House Skating around 11 AM

Kids line up for a museum tour

This is a Riva electric car - they cost 9000 pounds new. They are very poor quality compared to our Leaf - but that is on $14,000. You can see how tiny they are - even by London standards.

Bees on Fortnum's roof

The Imperial War Museum is a classic old collection

Here I am telling Lulu the differences between the V-1 and V-2. 

Both weapons terrorized London from 1941 - 1945. They were launched from mainland Europe by the Germans. They carried about 1000 pounds of TNT.

There is a profound Holocaust Museum in the War Museum

We rode the bus up and down Oxford St.

Picadilly Circus reminds one of Five Points in Tamaqua PA

We sped by the Victoria Theatre - home of Billy Elliot

Herrod'a sells the most beautiful groceries

We looked but did not buy much.