Friday 22 December
When we were coming home on the train yesterday a lady we were talking to suggested that Kingston would be a good place to visit for a bit of shopping and a look around, so that’s what we did today. We had planned to go by train, but as we came out of the coffee place there was a bus that said “Kingston”, so we hopped on.
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| Streatham Hill Station |
Up we went to the front of the top deck, where we had a great view .... of traffic! We were on main roads most of the time but they were very narrow and bumper to bumper practically the whole way. Cars were bluffing their way out of side streets and one guy who had parked on the wrong side of the road pulled out just in front of the oncoming traffic and whizzed around a corner. We are full of admiration for the bus driver, his patience and his ability to manoeuvre around all sorts of obstacles. I don’t know whether it’s always like this or it was just the pre-Christmas rush.
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| Traffic |
The journey took us more than an hour and a half and I’m not sure how far we travelled but it was very slow going. Coming home by train was much quicker despite missing one and waiting for delays at Clapham Junction.
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| Yes, but is it the real one? |
By the time we arrived in Kingston we were happy to find an Italian restaurant with a very nice lunch deal. Our starters were big enough to be the whole meal.
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| Just for starters |
Kingston is a lovely town and really bustling. There are lots of half timbered buildings, as well as modern shops. We also found Christmas markets, a big tree and lovely Christmas lights.
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| Kingston |
It is situated on the Thames (Kingston upon Thames) and we enjoyed a look at the river, boats and swans.
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| The Thames |
We asked a man to take our photo and he did it from a strange angle. Thought it was going to be right up our noses.
Stopped at our local Coop supermarket when we got off the train but we’re still so full of our late lunch that we can’t be bothered cooking tonight.
More local experiences, good and not-so-good, and another lovely outing. 'Bout to ride to WG for the last mail. Loving your wintery Christmas scenes.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Christmas, Heather. I'm off to the city for a couple of days, and then back here with Mum and sisters for a week. Just received an email from Qin. He's invited us to his new restaurant. He's Head Chef at the Olinda Tea House. We'll have to do that in the New Year. Enjoy the rest of your time in London.
ReplyDeleteHi Rutts. Oh the trees and decorations look beautiful, and what an adventure with the magic pudding. Its cooler here now after some hot weather. Did pilates and bridge today, despite feeling poorly, too many champagne cocktails..... but did come second at bridge woohoo. Time for dinner. I look forward to tomorrows saga.xx
ReplyDeleteAnd the rest of the lunch was just as generous!
ReplyDeleteLove the Xmad tree.Now I know why Julia bags Aust trees
DeleteThere's a reason Kingston is so nice ... Just across the river from Hampton Court!
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