Thursday 11 January
We’ve learned a bit about our local trains, one of which is that most trains to or from Streatham Hill are delayed or cancelled. So today we took the precaution of leaving earlier in order to be sure of our connection at Clapham Junction. It was a good move as the first one was cancelled, as was one when we were coming home. Having allowed time all was well for our journey onward to Windsor.
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| Clapham Junction |
My friend Kim (we met her in Prague when she came to see Judy B) was waiting on the station for us and walked us through the town telling us all about life in Windsor along the way. I had forgotten how huge the castle is and how it looms over the whole town.
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| Windsor Castle |
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| The old station is now a shopping centre. |
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| I remember this crooked shop from 1979. |
It was sad to see that they now have huge security barriers at various intervals. Kim told us that they even close the front of the letterboxes when they are changing the guard, so you can’t post a letter close to the castle at those times. This morning I was looking for a rubbish bin on the station at Clapham Junction and couldn’t find one. They have been taken away as they are a security threat. I had to take my rubbish into the cafe and leave it in a bowl on the ledge.
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| Which is Kim’s house? |
Kim took us to lunch at The Two Brewers which is directly opposite her home and right beneath the castle. Next door is the famous Long Walk which was impressive, despite being partly hidden by fog. We had a great meal and a lovely visit with Kim. She has some good stories about living in such an interesting location and will no doubt have a few more after the royal wedding in May.
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| The Two Brewers |
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| Kim and Heather |
This evening we returned once again to Pop-up Brixton and this time the place was alive and buzzing. We had a drink and then shared various examples of the food on sale in the little container booths.
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| Pop-up Brixton |
I have just about finished packing. Tomorrow night I’ll stay in a hotel near Heathrow ready for an early start. Don’t want to risk train delays when I have a flight to catch.
Oh Rutts I'm so glad you got to see Kim. She loves seeing us and is sooo hospitable. Did you talk about our visit next year and did you see Harry and Poppy?? I'm at Mallacoota visting Jude my bike riding friend and will head off this arvo. It will be great to have you back home again tho I'll miss our travels.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it is almost the end of your adventures. So many amazing places. The photos must be extensive.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels. After a horrid humid day we are now enjoying some glorious steady rain and slightly cooler temperature. Sarah and Tim are on their way back from the beach.
Today was Andrew's birthday and I thought of you all day- for obvious reasons!!!
What a great end to your London adventures.So good for you and Rob and Judy to have all the contacts to make your holiday a great experience
ReplyDeleteKim was so kind and friendly.
ReplyDeleteSaw Clapham Junction on this weeks "Great Train Journeys" and knew it was near you! Another not-Australia type day. ANOTHER truly wonderful holiday of experiences Rutts. I will miss my London Tour. Thanks Heaps. k
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