London - Again

June 3 Day 27

We're now back in the London area until we go home in a few days. In the past three weeks, we have literally made the circuit and gone around Great Britain in a grand circle. We are staying in a little cottage on a farm in Hertfordshire, just a half hour north of the London area.

We wanted to go back to London one last time before leaving. We drove to the closest Underground station and went into the center of London. Their underground, or Tube as it is called, is a very efficient way to get around London. For just 7 1/2 pounds, you can ride all over the London metropolitan area for the day. We would go to one area, see what we wanted to see there, pop over to the nearest Underground station, and board the train and pop up in another area of the city, all in just a few minutes. Very efficient, much less expensive and quicker than a taxi. The only problem is that you have to be prepared to be in the midst of a sea of humanity, for that is the way that most Londoners and visitors to London commute and get from one place to another.

We did a couple of quirky things in London. We went on the London Duck, which is an amphibious vehicle that can go both on land and water. You start off going through a guided tour of the streets of London, driving by all of the most famous spots, then go down into the river Thames and sail along the river for awhile, seeing Big Ben and Parliament from a totally different perspective. It was a lot of fun.The London Duck

We also wanted to go to 221B Baker street. For you Sherlock Holmes fans, you know that this is the residence of the famous fictional detective. There is a little museum there encompassing the four floors of the townhouse that is typical for many London residences. It was completely geared for tourists, but that's OK, because that's what we are.

Elementary, my dear Watson

We also strolled along St. James park, walked by Buckinham Palace, and walked along the south bank of the river, just enjoying the nice weather and people watching. Like I said, there was a sea of humanity, and it wasn't just in the Tube, but all over London. It felt good to get back to our country accommodations.

Around Buckingham Palace

Where's platform 9 3/4?