Tube, Walking and New Places, London

A long day in London, 5 May.

Started off with my first Tube journey this trip, was great to be back on the swing of things. Took the overland to Battersea Park to visit Fiona and her new born son Teddy. Great to catch up.

Battersea Park itself is stunning, and the new development opposite at Chelsea Wharf looks very trendy chic. The 452 Bus is scenic and recommended for those wanting to see some great tourist sights of London.

Stopped off at Ladbroke Grove to meet up with Joe, who is back teaching in London. His school is situated under a motorway overpass, literally built into the concrete and overlooks a pretty park. He takes me to Little Morrocco for a good Coffee and a delicious Nata, he has a tea, 2.20 quid!!!!

We take the walk down the canalways towards MaidaVale, then into Regents Park. It goes from grim dodgy to posh along the way - the way London is. Would make an excellent riding commute. Walking through Regents Park, past Lords, then up over Primrose Hill. It really is the tourist way. Am always amazed by how the stupidly wealthy in London rub shoulders with the very poor.

From there I took the back streets through St Johns wood (posh) all the way through some Estates on Abbey Road (grim) to West Hampstead to meet with Jean for dinner in her large studio.

Excellent book store on the High St. I stock up on The Rider by Tim Crabbe and purchase The Week (for 2.50 quid!).

The Week is my new newspaper in Aus and it originated here in the UK, so looking forward to read it and catch up on what they see is going on.

Great chats all day and the ride home on the bus is reminicient of my sleepy commutes home back in the day. Collapse into bed for the most solid 8hrs I've had in a long time!

Elections tomorrow - excitement!