Day 1 & 2

As always, the first 2 days become a melded blur for us! Our flight from Fresno left late, which was of some concern since we only have 1.5 hours to get to our next flight. However, my concern was unfounded since that flight departed 1.5 hours late anyway! It made no difference to us because just so we arrive safely, that is the main thing! Here's a little view over Greenland. I still hope to see Greenland some day.


After arrival, we had a speedy go through of the new e-lines at Heathrow. The line looked very crowded but the reality was, it moved fast and from the time we stepped into the line to stepping out it only took 16 minutes! I think it took longer to wait for the elevator to get us to a different level for a taxi! It was quite a long (and expensive) drive by taxi to our hotel but since we have the large extra suitcase this trip, I wasn't about to try something different and/or unknown. Our room was not ready for us of course, but by the time we transferred a few things from one area to another as to not carry them around the city, our room was ready!

The first thing on our agenda was to find an ATM, we did, and my card would not work. The next on the agenda was to get to the location of our foodie tour. We have a private tour, which was all I could fine to coincide with our time needs. We walked from our hotel over the Tower Bridge and along the River Thames to our location at 1 London Bridge to the Spike. I will say the walk was farther than expected and we are already exhausted. Regardless, we met up with our guide Nick. We let him know up front we were unable to get the pounds to pay him with and that along our way with him we need to find another ATM. He was good about it and said it was no problem. We liked Nick. I will say he was a bit disheveled but that didn't alter his enthusiasm for the Borough Market and telling us the history of the area.
Tower Bridge
     One Borough Market Entrance

This was a great tour and I absolutely loved the market. I definitely want to go back when I have more energy. Part of it, the fruit and vegetables, reminded me of any Farmer's Market at home but there was so much more. I can't even begin to list it all here. You can check out Borough Market online if you are interested. The market is spread over several blocks and has both pedestrian and vehicle streets within it. Nick showed us a few things and told us the history of the area. Our first stop was for Oysters at Richard Haward Oyster. Nick said the Barrow Boys ate oysters for breakfast as they were cheap and plentiful. I was thankful Nick was more than willing to help us eat these! I asked for the Prosecco to go with them even if it wasn't included, as to me it almost necessary to enjoy the flavor. These rock oysters were delicious. I will admit they were saltier than we are typically used to. While eating these we hear further stories about the market and how the area evolved. Then on to more tasting. Nick kept apologizing for the crowds but we knew it would be like this on a Saturday.
Oysters
An Old fashioned Barrow
Scotch Egg
Mushrooms galore! I'm coming back here!

Bhajia (pronounced Bargie) and Samosa (not pictured)

I guess we are getting old - well, at least tired for sure as we were both ready for our tour to end. We assured Nick we were also full and could not eat another bite! He took us across the street from the market to George where he thought we would like a sit-down and a beer. He pointed out a great view of the Shard from this market place. 

At George, we opted for Gin & tonic and visited for some time. It was so interesting to talk with Nick, hear about his life, and he seemed interested to hear about us. George is a great place and obviously popular. You share tables of course, but when you get up someone is quite eager to get your spot! Nick says with sports games they have big screens up and it is a mad house, I'm sure it is!

 My card still didn't work, but John's did so now we have pounds! I sure hope my card works later as that is where most of our trip money is!!! Nick secured us a taxi back to our hotel and we were glad of that. 

 We turned on the TV but I don't know what happened after that. I woke up about "10" but I wasn't sure if it was am or pm (why I prefer military time!). It was pm so we were thrilled to have plenty of time left for sleeping!!!  

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