First weekend in London

After arriving back from Scotland on, Wednesday we decided to rest up and see London this weekend. Also Jen, who we met in Scotland, was flying through on her way to Dubai.

We were off to Borough markets with Jen early Saturday morning. What a fantastic place, beautiful food, busy atmosphere and the best coffee we have found yet in London. We indulged in several cups of coffee and an awesome almond croissant. Took a few snaps. The market is situated under a railway with a large church in the background, brick arches and tunnels lead to different parts. The whole experience is visually gritty and urban, overlaid with fresh fruit colors, then the smells of fresh coffee, bread, fish and the hustle and bustle of a busy market.

We then headed off to meet a Tassie friend, Kate, who was also in London and headed off to the Tate Modern to see some 'art'. The slides were on display and Kate and I couldn't resist. What was slightly off putting was the camera which showed the decent and the people at the other end before you got on. You jump in to a big Hessian sack and elbow/knee pads and helmets are required for the larger slides. I have to admit the speed you reach is surprising, but I will back to do the floor 5 slide! We then went out to dinner at a great Thai restaurant behind the British Museum called Busaba.

Sunday was a slow day to get started. We wandered back in to the Tate for more free tours and interpretation, this time the minimalists and ripped canvases were covered. I felt I could understand slightly more than I did when I first walked in, but still millions for a ripped canvas, mmmm?

We then set off on a bike mission. This first consisted of perusing the internet for the cheapest options. We made a fundamental decision early on not to obtain a bike which might be stolen. There is a fantastic contact on the gumtree site you can ring and he will 'obtain' a bike to your specifications in a few days for £50, tempting. But we settled for the illustrious Halfords.
This was a tube ride out to Wembley which was a 'change of scenery' from west Hampstead. Our hopes of finding 60 pound bikes were dashed, as the site of the shop had been bulldozed to make room for the new stadium. But just as the light was fading, and Bridgette was getting very pissed off, the sign of Hadfords was seen in the distance. Once in the store, the choice of cheap bikes..... £70 collapsible bike.... didn't say if it would go back together though.

I was left with a lingering irony here we are buying bikes imported from Taiwan (Carbon debt?) which we going to ride round town to be good to the environment. I wondered how many Km's we would have to do to make up for the carbon debt. And it is the poor sod who made the bike, that we are trying to assist with our ride.... ok maybe I should have just walked.

Bridgette