Negotiated tube and overland trains between Paris and London without once getting lost (thanks to Rupert for detailed instructions at British end) and while there responded to greetings in French and a spot of Italian for good measure, albeit unintentionally.

Could say I’m now officially ‘international’ yes? Nope!

Cousins Rupert and Hortense, tour guide maps and stiff upper lips firmly in place, provided the itinerary while I acted the crazed camera wielding tourist thirsty for the city’s offerings. Bridges, boats, buses, cabs, works of art, statues, Shards, Meridians and Queens – West End Queen and Buckinghuge Palace Queen to be exact – all prey to my overzealous shutterbug enthusiasm. You see, I’ve been to London on numerous occasions, jet-setting toss that I am, but always in transit to somewhere else and thus the thrill at finally being shown the town, and by locals.

And just to show how adaptable I am, hoovered back a hearty serve of Bangers ‘n Mash, a batch of good old Fish ‘n Chips too and all washed down with a pint of Cider while my wonderful hosts ate quality British fare, sipped wine and counted down the hours ’till I was safely escorted back to the Eurostar.

Highlights from good ‘ole Blighty?

– Time with Kent’s family sharing fond memories
– Views from the Shard
– Tate Modern (Paul Klee exhibit)
– Greenwich Fish ‘n Chips (and a waitress who believes in ‘Coddock’, a cross between Cod & haddock)
– West End (Queen Tribute ‘We Will Rock You’)
– St Paul’s Cathedral candle moment
– London’s smallest monument (two tiny mice chewing a knob of cheese)
– An enormous ginger & white puss called Paddy
– My dearly beloved Aunt, Uncle and cousins’ David & Helens respective hospitality – thank you all! X

Oh! And here are a few photos to prove I really was there…

The wheel