We started our second full day in London meeting Guy’s toastmaster friend Peter and his wife Suwannee for breakfast.  Actually, they met us at The Ships, our hotel, after a train ride from their home on the outskirts of London. 

Just an aside, our hotel “The Ship Rooms” sits up above a pub, “The Ships”. It was 250 years old in 2022, (circa 1780 rebuilt 1865) and apparently an example of “early Victorian pub design.” Interestingly, Charlie Chaplin grew up in Lambeth and possibly, “Ten generations of Charlie Chaplin’s family have drunk in this pub.”

We had a half hour or so meander through the streets of London on the south side of the Thames to the Sizzling Sausage restaurant.  Since it was our first time meeting Peter and Suwannee, the walk gave us a chance to get to know one another.  After a hardy breakfast, we set out to do more walking around London.

The first stop was The Tate Modern. We headed first to the elevator and up to the top floor where there is a cafe and a 360 degree view of the city. Then we spent 45 mins or so exercising our minds at a modern art exhibition.  The Tate Modern was moved to this old power station location in 2000 from the Tate Britain on the other side of the Thames. The Tate Britain now house only British art. Interestingly, there are two other Tate Galleries owned by the Tate group. The Tate in St. Ives, Cornwall houses modern British artist works primarily from the St. Ives area. The Tate Liverpool was in an historical old warehouse at the Royal Albert Docks but this site is now temporarily closed to renovations that should be done by 2027. A smaller portion of the collection is on display at another location.

After our Tate Modern stop, we walked over the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian only bridge, into the city.  Yes, another bridge. I’ve never had a chance to ruminate on bridges this much before. London just has so many wonderful bridges!! The Millennium Bridge has an interesting history.    It opened on June 10, 2000 and was originally built as a suspension bridge.  The day the Millennium opened, it swayed dangerously and two days after it opened, it was closed for two years to fix it.  It reopened in February 2002 and seems to be quite solid now.

I hate heights and once on the bridge, my urge to get off it came on strong.  I had to go across to stay with the group so I raced for the other side, ripping ahead of Guy and our friends and passing anyone in my way. I occasionally glanced quickly at the views so as not to miss anything, and braved a photo or two on the run. Then I waited at the other end, now safe:), for everyone to join me and, as always, I was embarrassed and relieved at the same time.  

We made our way to St. Paul’s Cathedral. We actually only saw the outside and the basement area of the Cathedral that day. It is beautiful and when we came back later to meet our niece Claudie, the daily evensong was taking place in the main cathedral. We were able to hear it through the grates in the upper floor down into the lower reaches. It was heavenly. Guy and I will go back for a tour and hopefully evensong on our last day in London at the end of our trip late June.

We bought a little Paddington Bear at the Cathedral Store for our niece’s new baby who we were going to see the following week, and a baby Paddington for our mascot in the van. Then we meandered through the streets towards Leadenhall Market.  

On the way, we stopped in a courtyard garden and had a rest.  I took a picture of a building that inspired me with its beautiful architecture and stain glassed windows.    

Leadenhall Market is an open air covered market dating back to the 14th century and is one the oldest markets in London and located in the financial district. “Originally a meat, game and poultry market, it stands on what was the centre of Roman London” (Wikipedia). This area was also used to film scenes for Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone around Diagon Alley. It’s a very attractive location and we spent some time there having afternoon coffee with our friends at one of the quaint cafes.

After coffee, we walked along the North side of the Thames back towards St. Paul’s Cathedral and enjoyed the late day sun and the lovely views of the city.

Later, we said goodbye to Peter and Suwannee with the hope that we might meet up with them late June before heading back to Canada.

We met our Australian niece Claudie, Guy’s sister Diana’s daughter, who is working in London. We had a delicious dinner at a Thai restaurant in Covent Garden and a proper catchup about her London life. It was so great to see her.

Afterwards, we hopped the train at Charing Cross back to Lambeth and had an early night. We were headed out to Cheltenham in Gloucestershire early the next morning to see Guy’s sister Christine and family. We were excited for a train ride and to see the countryside after wonderful busy days in London.