A day in LONDON!!

Such a nice surprise for me today, organised by my lovely friend Lynn. It should have been 3 of us having a day out today, but frustratingly, the dreaded covid got to Isabel and so we were denied her company today.

I was picked up at 10 o'clock and we were kindly chauffeured to Broxbourne train station by Maurice, Lynn's husband. Once on the train, Lynn presented me with an envelope containing our plans for the day - a murder mystery walking hunt around the West End, a pen and a map - not forgetting a very important piece of cardboard to lean on, eh Lynn ;-)

We took a bus from Liverpool Street, getting the top front seats, we seemed to regress back to teenagehood, as we excitedly read our instructions, whilst spotting landmarks and chattering 19 to the dozen. The chatting didn't stop all day!

Our print told us to start our hunt at Trafalger Square and we quite quickly solved the first couple of clues. As it was, by then midday, we went into the National Gallery. Not somewhere I have ever been, and Lynn loves art. I was amazed to see paintings by some of the most famous artists in the world, including Constable's 'The Haywain', Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' and the vast 'Water Lilies' by Monet. I will definitely be returning as we were limited on time, and just whizzing through really to use their toilet and get a bite to eat and drink.

Once refuelled we continued on our walk, solving clues, and enjoying the city. It took us up the Strand to Somerset House, then back round to Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent garden and China Town down to Pall Mall and ending back where we started. (I may have got the order wrong here) We needed coffee and cake which we found back on the Strand where we finished solving the murder. A nice walk back to Liverpool Street along the river taking in the history and stunning architecture, both old and new, that our capital city so generously has to offer. I haven't travelled much, but I don't think this city can be beaten for its rich history, culture and diversity.

We arrived at the station with a whole 4 minutes to spare before the next train was due to leave. Then a steady, very warm train ride back to Broxbourne, where Maurice was waiting for us.

It has been such a lovely day out. I couldn't have chosen anything better. So much variety, and bit of imagination, lots of opportunity for chatter and a chance to explore parts of London I wouldn't normally visit. Thank you lovely Lynn for your kindness and generosity today, and for giving me the best day! Hoping you catch the blip before you go to bed ;-)