London - 7/8 October 2009

Image by MomentaryShutter via Flickr

Leanne and I are beginning our trip to Europe. I'm taking advantage of a conference and adding on some vacation days to visit Bryn in London, explore a bit of Wales and then proceed to the conference venue in Maastricht (Netherlands) via Brussels and Bruges before returning home via London.

London

Day 1

We're in London!  A car met us at the airport and took us to the very interesting Astor Court Hotel
We virtually dropped our bags and walked over to meet up with Bryn who had just finished work. She took us on a bit of exploring of Regent and Oxford Streets. We tried to visit the famous James Smith and Sons umbrella shop - in the rain......unfortunately, we arrived 5 mins. after it closed (who closes at 5:25pm???) - pretty wet and cold - so we had some dinner at an Italian restaurant - mainly so we could dry off!
We returned to the hotel for a bit afterwards and then met up with Bryn to see her apartment and onwards to Charlotte Street Blues, just down the street from Bryn's place, where we take in some blues music and she does some dancing.

Day 2

Today was a whirlwind of activity!  Found a great place to have breakfast and then off to do some shopping - a coat for Leanne (which she claims ended up saving her from getting frostbite on many occasions!), some clothes for Bryn and things needed for her apartment.  Then off to the umbrella shop once again - (this time it was open).  Have never seen so many different types of umbrellas in my life.  Bryn ended up choosing a great umbrella that would fit in her bag.

We also took a flight on the London Eye which was amazing.  We were blessed with beautiful sunny weather and could see forever once we were up and away!  We were able to get some pretty good photos.

Then off we went for afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason where Bryn and I had champagne (Leanne wimped out!) and we had a choice of lovely teas and very decadent cakes, cookies, pastries and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Later that evening, along with Bryn we saw the musical Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre - which we enjoyed tremendously.

Finally called it a day and headed back to the hotel for a good night's sleep in preparation for our trek to Wales the following day.