Today's event had been planned months ago, and we were all eagerly looking forward to it. We had been invited to other events today, but of course we turned them down to celebrate Bear (Steve's) Birthday. The plan was to spend the day in London, first a trip to the British Museum then food and drinks afterwards. We gathered at Ashford International, and took advantage of cheap group travel offers (4 people travelling on the HS1 and tube/bus in town for less than 20 quid each). Less than forty minutes later we were walking through St Pancras and Kings Cross station to get a photo opportunity at the Harry Potter 'Platform 9 3/4' display. Then it was a quick walk up the Caledonian Road to Cafe Oz for a great breakfast, just what was needed for the day ahead.
I have never been to the British Museum before. There is a lot to see, including Mummies, pots, spears, alabaster statues and rather rude potteries. We all wandered off in different directions, with plans to re-group later for a drink in the pub opposite. After seeing most of the rooms, we missed a few but we can always re-visit, we adjourned to the pub where we met up with Terry. The others soon joined us and after a couple of pints of 'Old Peculier' we headed for Covent Garden. Some went to look for plastic boxes, we had a look in the shops and watched a good street magic show. We re-grouped again for a swift half in the pub before heading to Leicester Square for dinner at Ed's Diner.
We heard that Manky had been offered a freebie in the street. What he thought was a sweet turned out to be soap, which he discovered after eating it. Oh how we laughed. We managed to get seats at the counter in Ed's and ordered burgers and milkshakes. Not bad at all and I liked the traditional jukeboxes. By now I was feeling rather full, so turned down dessert! We jumped on the tube back to Kings Cross. The train was already at St Pancras so we didn't have to wait for long and was home in fifty minutes. It was a great day with great friends. We don't go to London enough, Something we must rectify this year.
Sunday.
I think I earned myself a lie-in today, so we didn't get down to Asda until much later than normal. Sarah's parents were down and they had brought a load of records, a mixture of singles and albums for me to root through. Apart from Napoleon IX and Sid Vicious there was not much of interest, but there were two Rock n Roll 78's (Shake Rattle n Roll and Whole Lotta Woman) and a really old 12" 78 in its original cover. It must be at least 1920's vintage. I'll have to do some research on it. Dinner went in, and there are great roast lamb aromas wafting around the house whilst I'm watching 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan'.
Until next week then...
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