One day at a time

I have been in London for the long weekend to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's 70 years service. Started off watching the Trooping of the Colours and then went to the Mall to see the members of the royal family come out on to the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the fly passed by military service aircraft.  The next day I wasn't feeling so great so missed out on enjoying the fine weather as the rest of the weekend is forecast to be wet. There is s concert being held at the Palace this evening, which we will no doubt watch on TV and there is a parade happening on Sunday, but unsure if we will go and see it given the weather forecast.

Went to see the Trooping of the Colours followed by a military fly over.

Had a couple of nights in London before travelling north to Nottingham. Caught up some friends and got a couple of better night sleep.

Checked out and had a successful final few hours in Manchester - picked up a jakka and got my hair cut. Now on the train heading to London and then will head over to Gatwick, where I will spend the evening before flying to Copenhagen tomorrow.

Spent the day in Graham's apartment, managed to get everything into the suitcase. Sitting on this one actually works. Graham put on a very good lunch, which Richard came to and one of Graham's friends. After they had left, Graham walked me over to Elephant and Castle train station, so start the trip to Gatwick. Apart from having to run to catch the train to Gatwick, it went smoothly and check in was easy.

Met up with my old pal Dave in Ealing and at an enormous email of chicken and half a lettace. Went into central London to find some soverniers for the office and chose coasters again, this time with view of London on them. I have bought twelve as I am not sure how many people will be in the group when I return, with two possible new additions. I walked from Marble Arch to Leicester Square, so I had lots of steps today.

Took the train to Hampton Court and had a full day wandering around the historic palace and its grounds. It helped that it was a very nice day too.

Had lunch with Graham, before heading over to the hotel. I've been upgraded to a double. Having a quiet night in.

Took ages to drop the car off, first there were road works and then no spaces in the require floor. Hopefully I didn't damage the car driving around the car park, the spaces were tight. Now on the train, in first class. Not really taking advantage of the options available like food and free drinks. The seats are wider, power points and there is free WiFi.

After much deliberation I have booked with Lufthansa but to London rather than Birmingham, because London was a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. In the end its cost just over a couple of grand, which includes the seat reservations and business upgrade London to Frankfurt.

Still in contact with big Michael back there in London, will be back there in  2015.

Booked some accommodation in central London for my trip at the beginning of May in a funky boutique hotel in Paddington. The rooms sounds similar to the Stay Club, but this one is central and includes breakfast. Still over $100 per night but under $150. Still thinking about where to stay when I arrive and whether I want to stay in Nottingham for nearly two weeks. Maybe I can go and see Graham at the farm?

Checked out and left my bags at the hotel. Had lunch with Graham and a quick drink in a bar, before heading to the airport.

Was a tourist and wandered around until early evening when I met up with James and his girlfriend Jennie.

I checked out of the Stay Club and into the Holiday Inn Express, it's so nice to have a real hotel room. Caught up with Graham in the evening on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in a roof garden and we went to see the recent Star Trek movie.

Went to Brighton for most of the day, but was again let down by my technology as my phone had no internet access while in the town centre. I did find a brooch for Buster that I hope she will like. Went on the Emirates Air Line cable car over the Thames at Docklands and had the car to myself. It was a bit scary when the car began to rock towards the end, but otherwise it was very smooth. Moving to another hotel tomorrow.

Spent the day being a tourist in London, and went from famous site to famous site, checking in at most of them. In the evening, I went up to the observation deck of the Shard, which is the tallest building in Europe and watched the sun set over the capital.

Had lunch with a friend down in Balham and after a wander around Tooting Bec Common, we had coffee before I returned to the accommodation.

Went shopping for a gift for my aunt, but ended up buying a watch and set of earphones for myself. In the evening I went out with a couple of friends to see a play called the bear and afterwards we went for a drink. Caught the last train to Willesden Junction from Clapham Junction.

It's only 15c and sunny and the locals are in shorts and t-shirt, yet another scorcher lol