We arrived in London and almost immediately jumped on the underground to meet Ken and Ros in the city. We walked over London Bridge and behind us we could see the Tower and the impressive Tower Bridge. Before long the rain started but not before Ken and Ros led us up and down the historic parts of the South Side of London. Talk about history. Amazing stuff. I knew it wouldn't be long before Ken would find us a suitable watering hole - it happened to be a coaching inn, dating back to 1542. We sat there and just absorbed the aura of the place - imagine what a bustling inn it would have been for travellers in bygone days. After an initial drink there, we walked and saw some more sights, before escaping the rain and enjoying a good old nosh up in a local brewery. Murray ordered bangers and mash - they had americanised it with the battered onion rings on top - see middle right photo in collage above. The green on the bottom is mashed peas - very British menu! Despite the weather, the area was buzzing with people all out with their brollies. it was a Thursday night, but you would think it was a Friday or Saturday night as every hotel, brewery or restaurant was chock full of people. After our evening out, we caught the underground back to our hotel, ready to do it all again the next day, but travelling in the other direction!
The following day we paid a visit to the beautiful Windsor Castle - our entry tickets were courtesy of Ros and Ken's daughter Jenny who works there with the art collection and other historical collectibles. We spent several hours there, walking through the grounds and the state apartments. Mind boggling history once again - Windsor Castle, originally built in the 11th Century, is the longest occupied royal palace in Europe. Ten kings lie buried in St George's Chapel that we toured as well. More than 500 people live and work in the castle.
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