Travel Diary

First things first. I walked to Sainsbury's and got more food. Sainsbury's was also my top choice in stores when I was a student in London. The store sizes vary but they always have great prices and a lot of options. Some of the prices are cheaper than eats back home at Safeway.

For the game plan, we headed to Kew Gardens. I had visited in 2016, yet there was no harm in returning. The place has just that much to see and explore. The Tube ride over wasn't too bad, though it grew more crowded along the way. At the Kew Gardens Tube stop, quite a few people exited. We passed by a street markets and made our way down the residential road and found a surprise. The line for the entrance was massive. It spread down the street in two directions. But one line moved much faster: those with tickets.

Yet we had none.

We stood in the long and slow line anticipating losing 40 minutes from the waiting, but then I figured that tickets could be ordered on my phone. I proceeded to order them and Ruth went to stand in the fast line. Sure enough, I got my order placed and left the slow line for the fast one. Perfect plan! We were in the door in five minutes.

We hit the bathrooms first, although the park was packed so the women's line was long. I just relaxed and took photos of the lake and fowl. We then explored so many things. There was the hill with the temple, then the gardens where they grow vast amounts of vegetables and fruits. From there we headed over to the Orangery and got some lunch, which we took to the large grassy fields and had a small picnic. Since it was Bank Holiday Weekend, many Londoners and tourists took advantage of the warm weather to visit the Gardens. I just had not foreseen that. On my previous trip (another Sunday afternoon in August), there was only a fraction of the current crowd.

After lunch, it was time to see the Palm House. I'd not explored it last time so it was a treat. It's a massive greenhouse and very warm inside. It's akin to being in a jungle with exotic plants growing all about. All that's missing is the cries of wild birds. Many of the plants have small colorful detailed flowers growing on them. The whole place is a feast for photographers. Outside of traveling deep into the jungles or South America or Africa, it's probably one of the few places on earth to witness such vegetation.

After the greenhouse, we found the new Victorian Glass House that had just reopened. It too was impressive, although the foliage inside was rather new, so it was not as striking overall. I didn't spend too long there. We had to get back to the flat for the evening show. Luckily, the Tube wasn't too packed this time. We soon arrived back at the flat.

Alas, there was no time for a nap.

Taking the Tube, we reached Piccadilly Circus and had lunch at Five Guys Burgers. I normally avoid chains but sometimes it's just necessary to make things work. Plus, it can save a few dollars that way.

Our show was "A Comedy About a Bank Robbery." I'd seen it before but it was great to enjoy it again once. I elected for stalls seats, even though they were limited view. The limitation was hardly anything so it was certainly worth the good price and getting to sit close to the action. I was again reminded how complex the sets were. It's just a show that would be tough to produce in any theatre without a very substantial budget. I somehow doubt amateur theatre will ever showcase it.

Afterwards, we walked around the streets. We came across the Sherlock Holmes Pub and headed upstairs for drinks. However, the upstairs was soon closing so they ushered us back downstairs. No matter. That was fine.

This time, our entertainment was unique. A group of fairly large blokes was enjoying beers when another group came in and a somewhat aggressive bald bloke got in the face of a larger guy and demanded he apologize for an insult to his friend, who happened to be handicapped. Apparently, the big bloke felt he'd done no foul deed and would not capitulate. This standoff went on a bit until fists were flying and glass was breaking. Then they separated and the wait staff got the aggressors to go outside.

What was remarkable is that aside from a ripped shirt, the big guy had no visible damage. He wasn't bleeding anywhere. His face was a little red, but he continued his drinking and said little. His mates were still there to back him up. Yet, a short while later, the staff closed the pub and asked all to leave.

Yeah, I guess there's still the alpha male aggressive dominance thing going on, or whatever it's called--very interesting to watch take place right in front of you, I must say. But one never felt unsafe. There were no weapons. No knives or guns. Just fists that didn't do all that much damage--certainly no collateral damage either (aside from flying beer). If one must fight, it's the best method. (However, gloves would help better protect the knuckles, I might add).

It was then quite late. We caught one of the last trains home--if not the final one.

(Note: if you are out too late and miss the last train--around 12:30am--all is not lost. The night buses go in all the same areas. They just run much less frequently late at night. Plus, there's always Uber. And worst case...the walk isn't more than an hour to get home.)

Last EntryNext Entry