8. Landing in London

 London - UK

We were so glad to see Daniel after being on opposite sides of the world for the last 8 months.

It was a shock to the system to come from Thai weather (30 deg every day) to zero and sub-zero temperatures but we got accustomed to it fairly quickly.

We got ourselves a nasty flu from the plane trip which had us wiped out for about 3 weeks. We were so grateful to be able to stay at Daniel and Ellen's place for a couple of months in Clapham to recuperate and then start to explore London.

Clapham is a nice town having many places to have coffee and a general shop. We have noticed that the price of supermarket goods are pretty much on par with prices in Qld however restaurants and coffee shop prices are significantly higher. Accommodation is extremely expensive.

The local pubs are very individual and have a warm traditional pub feel. Pub meals are expensive though, with a modest lunch for 2 with a drink will set you back AUD 120.

The Prince of Wales is in Clapham. Just up the road from us.


What we have found too is that most retail items like clothes and shoes are made in Europe rather than China. What a refreshing discovery!














 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

120. Cazaugitat - France - House and Pet Sitting - Episode 41

Image
We arrived in Cazaugitat (pronounced car-zor-gee-tat) in the mid-afternoon and were greeted by Sue and Richard, an English couple who settled in France 12 years ago. We also met Spangle, Hector and the chooks. The house was built in the 1750s, and many of the old features are still functional. We were taken around to show us the workings and quirks of a building of that age. I am always fascinated with old-world architecture and this place was no exception. It was built to last as the walls are made from solid stone blocks half a metre thick.   Our home for 6 weeks Spangle Hector My (temporary) office I just love the old timbers A view of the house from the dog walk path Vines as far as the eye can see And the most magnificent sunsets Being so rural, there is very little traffic and the villages are not far away for supplies but both of us are happy to have a quiet life for a week or two before venturing out. Sampling the local wares in the back garden Won't be long before the...
Read more

114. St Peter - Jersey - House and Pet Sitting - Episode 37

Image
Jersey is a self-governing democracy with its own independent financial and legal jurisdictions. It's only 45 sq miles making it about a third the size of Malta. The trip was a 4-and-a-half-hour slightly bumpy ferry ride from Poole but all went well.  Cruising past the island of Guernsey on our way to Jersey Jersey is very much like the UK was 50 years ago. It's quieter, more laid back and, there are few modern buildings to spoil the architecture of the past. 'Vincent' is a bearded collie who resides is in a cottage in the village of St Peter. We were greeted by the owners, a lovely retired couple. They took us out for dinner and the next day, we drove them all the way to the airport. (5 minutes) My generosity knows no bounds! Vincent All the street signs are in French.  One of the many small farms around the village of St Peter Our favourite moo cow Love the brows! Max was giving her a good scratch Some of the dwellings around the village Even though the island is tiny...
Read more

123. Malta and Gozo

Image
After 2 and a bit hours we arrived in Malta from Madrid and were greeted by Daniel, Ellen and her sister Meredith. Flights are so cheap and it's great to not feel any jet lag! I was born in Malta and always feel a sense of homecoming every time I come back here as I have cousins here, which I'm looking forward to visiting. The previous time was 5 years ago.  We arrived at our 3-bedroom harbour-side apartment in Sliema and were pleasantly surprised at the size. I paced out approx 9 x 47 metres!  Where's Max? Standing in the doorway of the bedroom! It was nice to be in a milder climate as we've experienced a very long cold spell this winter. Typical Maltese architecture We took a trip to Gozo with Daniel, Ellen and Meredith. The boat ride was a bit rough but we enjoyed the day out. Here is the view from the Citadel in the capital, Victoria. We visited Mdina on the mainland, known as 'The Silent City' as cars are not allowed in most parts. The door knockers represe...
Read more