4 June - Visiting Little London

Before the trip:

This summer, we homed back to London where our little girl is based. It has been like this for the past 3 odd years. Now into the 4th, it was become a kind of ritual. We are like the parent penguins, making the long trip to where our baby is, bringing supplies and whatnots. The trip is more for us than her. Skype doesn't cut it and nothing beats seeing her in the flesh. She is one precious baby and what is a little travel up 10000 km?

This is the first time we are flying with Qantas Airlines. Pat wanted a direct flight and it was the cheapest in January when we decided to go ($1200+ ret) without the costs of seat reservation (which is an eye-watering $80 per seat per trip).

I was hoping this year will be a repeat of last year; H joining us somewhere in the UK for a little excursion before scurrying back to London. It doesn't work out and neither did Pat's wish for a mini Europe trip as well.

Cornwall is full of promises as friends rave about it and Instagram pictures of the most southwesterly part of England beckons with azure skies and turquoise sea.

4 June London:

London has improved visitor turnaround. I entered with my epassport, together with many friendly countries. Still it was a while before we cleared immigration (lots of 'friendlies' that morning) although it was nothing like the last time we waited for 4 hours when we came back from Amsterdam.

We deposited our bags at Mad Hatter Hotel, then left for the non existent Lower Marsh Market. Immediately,  off to Wembley LDO we went, like a sort of overcome the jetlag ritual thing. Nothing of note to buy but Pat came back with a  M&S shirt for only £12.

We took a long deserved nap in the hotel until H came for us. We did some catch up in the room before heading for The Breakfast Club London Bridge. Noisy, lively and friendly with innovative menus and recipes. We paid cash and gave the waitress a tip.

H went off to her own place and we surrendered to jetlag in the hotel.