KEEP CALM AND KEEP BLIPPING

Really needs to be viewed large.

Firstly, apologies to anyone who hasn't come across the KEEP CALM AND... phrase... it's everywhere over here and mostly very amusing...

G & I ventured out to London today for the last time this trip. We were heading to an old favourite restaurant, but plans soon changed when G announced on the train that she wanted to see Camden Lock. (WHAT?) A quick look at Tube Map and GoogleMaps on my semi-smart phone and we were headed to it within minutes!

Made it there through the drizzle. I have to say - despite what I've heard of Camden Town, it was still a huge surprise! The initial entry to Camden Lock was very pleasant. Beautiful building, beautiful arty stuff - we even bought some silk scarfs. Then we went down some steps into another market near Skaka Zulu. I saw some amazing AND some really bizarre things. Have taken pics and may put them on my blipfolio, but boy is there some weird stuff out there! It felt like a mix of Karama and Global Village. My blip is of my ever-ready model standing in some much needed shade which has interesting supports to say the least.

We then made our way to Covent Garden. I was hoping the Advent Calendar would still be there so G could see it, but understandably, it has been removed. We just walked up and down the stalls and G reckons it is a posher version of Camden... I still can't get over those gigantic baubles, so here they are for a second time.

A lightning stop in St Paul's Church and brief walk later (much ably navigated by aforementioned semi-smart phone), we were at Trafalgar Square! It was still drizzling so took the opportunity to get some cool reflections. The last time we visited the National Gallery was around 11 years ago, so we headed in there. I like Impressionists and was absolutely thrilled to see originals of Renoir, Monet AND Van Gogh! Had no idea Sunflowers was there. What a bonus! (Alongwith the 4 or 5 Renoirs).

Art fill over, it was time to think about possibly heading home, but not before G had seen the River, so we walked over the Millenium Bridge. [It was supposed to be a walk past Horse Guards, down to Westminster and over the bridge to County Hall but my feet were aching!!!] Another handheld night shot... I DO love my camera and what it does.

So, from London Bridge to Charing Cross and lots of hours, walking, sight-seeing and eating in between, we've had a super day in the City that never ceases to fail. Can't wait to visit again.

Hope your day has been equally good and happy.

PS. Second day of the year, and we've already forgotten about it. BAD.