A few days later

Sunday started a bit later in the day with Sunday lunch at the Royal Albert with my friend Irmani (who reminded me that we’ve now known one another for 20 years – bloody hell) and her husband Jonno. It was the real meal deal. I’m afraid the Yorkshire was a disappointment, but the rest of the food was good and the company was fantastic.

As we were so close, seemed a shame not to pop over for a wander around posh Greenwich, famous for, amongst other things, mean time.

Dirk got to straddle time.

Good old wander that revealed some fun shops and interesting info about herbs. (Do click on the photo so you can read the text.)

Ended up buying amazing chocolates at amazing chocolate shop.

Up and out Monday to catch a train up to the northwest for an all too quick visit with my nearest and dearest relative, my cousin Peter. There is a lot I could write about what he is going through at the moment, but this is a quick catch up and I don’t have time. Suffice to say, it’s bloody heartbreaking, but we had fun anyway.

Train back next day and a quick visit to the Tate. Ignored the exhibition (which did look interesting) to have a wander around the Turners and Pre-Raphaelites.

Pint at the King’s Head in London Bridge with my mate Tony, followed by dinner in Borough Market.

True posh yesterday. Made our way to Green Park, where there were so many FROCKS being worn that I have to guess it was the palace garden party yesterday.

Along Picadilly with a stop in Fortnum and Mason’s because Dirk had never set foot inside and so we kinda had to, didn’t we? Came out with music box of biscuits. Bit further along to Hatchard’s – book store since 1797 – to pick up a copy (oh, look, it’s signed!) of the latest Brookmyre, which won’t be out in Canada until September.

A wander in the rain to the Photographers Gallery (which was a first time for both of us – bloody place really is not easy to find) to see some fascinating exhibitions.

Then back down to London Bridge for a pie and a pint at the 17^th century George Inn, owned, but not operated by the National Trust.

We have now come to the conclusion that neither of us is as young as we used to be.