London Has Been Good

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Day 26. Monday, August 11.

12.25 Miles. 27,534 Steps.

How to cram 3 months living in London into 3.5 days.

On the semester abroad Olivia commented after only about 2 weeks - What are those people taking pictures of? - same as us for the first few days, until London felt like normal and we had become temporary citizens. What a marvelous experience UWSP offered to students and leaders, a better understanding of being World Citizens.

Leftover Falafel for breakfast - not so good.

Tina - at the Aldwych Theater.

Samuel Johnson who said that bit about ‘if a man is tired of London’….

Courts on left - entire block.

Fancy and historic location to have to appear before a judge, in a wig.

TEA - in London

London has helped with tourism as every few blocks there are maps such as this to help move people about, rather than having them running into every small shop and ask the same questions - is Big Ben this way or that.

P.J’s for Barristers when they stay overnight at their clubs.

Shirts with detached collars.

Of course you must wear the silly head piece if you are worthy of your advance degree.

Fleet Street News area.

Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Below ground level.

Departed before 8 to make the most of this last day in London. Decided to head east/southeast. If I became tired or hurting, I could get a ride ‘home’.

Steady flow of commuters on two wheels.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

Of course there was an entry fee, unless you might chose to attend one of their services, which would also be a ‘fee’ to sit through.

Tower of London from Tower Bridge.

The moat was dry. No rowing in of Oliver Cromwell or Anne Boleyn or Catherine Howard or Lady Jane Grey or ???? Many others whose heads became separated from the rest of their bodies.

HMS Belfast.

It is almost as if by design the architecture rises from the tidal Thames River. Impressive!

Absolutely love being back in this city and just wandering. Wandering slightly in what feels like the right way, and suddenly know you chose correctly.

Globe Theatre - Shakespeare.

Millennium Bridge over Thames. It opened in 2000, but there were structural issues which led to it closing as soon as it opened. We were not able to cross it then.

Tate Modern

Last crossing of the Thames for this hiker this time.


A tall skinny structure is being built.

12.25 Miles walked and appreciated today!

I have loved being back in London.

Managed a great loop today seeing a number of highlights. Didn’t go inside anywhere as that has been done previously, but just to find each again and WALK by was special.

The smell of London is lovely, my smell - not so lovely.

I have loved the vibrancy of the city.

Am disappointed in myself - the KNEES!

That the goals were not achieved - disappointed. But am thankful for what was accomplished!

A heartfelt thank you to Gary for being the supportive spouse he has been to encourage all my attempts at whatever, success or failure, and patiently awaiting my return.

Time to return home and reality…East, West, Home’s Best!

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