London Bits and Pieces - or Our First Weekend in London

Aaah Trafalgar Square, but without the hundreds of tourists who are usually here.  Must have been too early for them

Buckingham Palace with the bike leg in front

The first weekend we were here, we were still struggling with jetlag and so went for a bit of a wander.  Dave wanted to try out the London fashions on Oxford/Regeant/Carnaby streets, but when we arrived we found that most stores didn't open until noon.  As we were in the grips of the Australian jet lag, which results in 6am starts, we had a long wait ahead of us.

This led to a bit of a wander down to St James' Park and Buckingham Palace.  There turned out to be a triathlon on, so we saw a bit of the bike leg, but I think we had missed all the pros.  Turns out Brad Karlefeltd came second for those Aussies who follow triathlon.

Dave on the Mall

Anyway the day was nice, the grass was green and the geese were well-fed.  Certainly a place to re-visit with some bread.

We have tickets to visit Buckingham Palace's state rooms next weekend, so I won't say too much about that.  Just that there are only about 10 weeks in the year which you can visit, as that's when the Queen is up in Scotland, holidaying with her freaky family. 

Posh water features in Mayfair

I think the clothing is definitely cheaper here, particularly for guys.  Though I have to say you walk far enough down Oxford St and the shops begin repeating themselves.  There at least 3 of the same 4 shops within about a kilometre stretch.  I think Carnaby St is perhaps better for the boutiques and less chain-store wear, but perhaps there are better areas in London

Our first squirrel, only a grey though, yet to see a red one

for shopping which we'll have to hunt out.

Fat geese in St James' park.  They were in a separate area so you couldn't harass them

The man : James Cook.  There were a few Aussies taking photos of this statue

What's this freaky bird?  Massive feet