London Day Four

A special birthday lunch for JR today at the Sky Garden. I downloaded a London Bus app, and planned the day's transport. First we bussed to Coffeeworks for breakfast, then we jumped on another bus to town. Except that we got the wrong bus, and once we realised we were heading in the wrong direction, we leapt off and had to ask a couple of policemen how to get to our destination.

We were heading for the 'Walkie-Talkie'. This building caused so much trouble when it was first built because of its shape - the sun's rays were reflected down and were melting parked cars in the street below!

We had lunch in the Darwin Brasserie. My cousin, who works nearby, came to join us, so that made it extra special.

The meal was excellent, but I think the views were better from the Shard. The Brasserie's views were obscured by the exterior structures - we couldn't see the top of the Shard, just across the river. In fact, the posher restaurant on the next level up, gets even worse views! However, when we finished our meal and walked down a level to the Sky Garden, the views were expansive. And you were out in the fresh air. The Tower of London looked like a wee toy building.

From there we took the 15 bus to the madhouse that is Trafalgar Square - you know you're in London when you go there - and walked to New Zealand House for JR to renew her passport. We then sought out the Virgin Money Lounge for a free coffee and sit down, and were delighted to discover the aeroplane layout downstairs (even had the occasional Virgin plane flying by the windows). The seats were all facing a huge TV screen. BBC News was on, not Jeremy Kyle, thank goodness.

One bus home from there. At rush hour. It took a long time, and it was jam packed, but it's fun to just sit and look out, and to begin to recognise places - we always look out for the Famous Cock (it's a pub)...

Another great day in the capital. And it wasn't sweltering, thank goodness. I can't cope with heat.

Just as well I live in Edinburgh...