The forcast predicted it. And sure enough we woke to a cold , wet day - London has not forgotten about winter yet. But we rugged up (memo - always bring those warm clothes. I have worn every item of clothing I packed, only regret I took out the puffa jacket!). So we rugged up and after buying an umberella, we set off for a walk in London on a wet Sunday morning. It was lovely and invigorating, even if quite soggy. The city has quite another character, grey and a little sad, with lots of large puddles, evidence of nonexistant drainage in places. We walked the bordges - Lambeth to Waterloo, the Embankment, and admrred those going on the Wheel in the rain, not sure what they would see. We wandered back to our unit, a little damp, to change, and peruse the wonderful London Sunday papers - they are huge, with large plastic bags of extras (why dont we do that - stops them all falling out).
We spent lunch and a little of the afternoon at the Sherlock Holmes pub a minute from where we are staying - a wonderful example of the little English pub, with a glass of wine and fish and chips which only the Brits can do, and the best sticky toffee pudding ever. We felt just like locals, with the rain coming down, and all cosy and warm inside. For those here in the winter, the temps dont seem to have moved far!
So now I can catch up on the blog and emails, and regroup for the last full week, we will be home before we know it - I am missing my puppies badly now.
The trip to Penzance was lovely with the country so green, the lambs alll bounding round or snuggling with mum, and the little towns all inviting . ( I think I am off lamb for a while)
I will put some more photos to the trip[ reports as time permits,and add more thoughts to those put down in haste as the satellite permitted.
Even in the wet, London is full of surprises and some nice things
More soon
...and then went to London to visit the Queen. Well, she is not here at the moment, as the politicians are trying to work out who will go and see her. So we are in London on 
our last two days. The time has gone so quickly, but it will be lovely to be home as well. We have done so much, seen so much, met some lovely people who will be friends. The holiday has seen us spend a lot of time with english folk,as the ship was principally UK passengers, and it has been an interesting expereince. I have a significant portion of english blood, so I can comment a little - they love activities in group format - the sailaway parties on the ship were group singalongs, they were usually in groups line dancing classes, lots of card games and bingo. Similar to what you imagine many will spend time in their home towns. Now everyone is waiting to see who will guide them out of the recession and slump which seems to be still pervading the country. I hope they get some perceptive leadership - they need it and deserve something better than before. I cannot say what has been the best highlight - there have been so many - sailing into and out of Venice in a ship which was taller than virtually everything in the city was a once in a lifetime experience, and every bit as amazing and jaw dropping as you hoped it would be. The sights and sounds of that city are spectacular, and even if I am never back, it has left wonderful memories. Croatia is a little gem, and I hope it never gets too commercialised. Gibralter was interesting, I never saw planes landing on such a tiny strip of land (they even have to stop the traffic on the main road from Spain, when planes take off or land! But the monkeys scared me rather, and I was pleased to be off the rock. England has been special as usual - even familiar spots have had surprises, and new vistas as the weather has been different. And it was wonderful to be back in Cornwall, the area of many of my ancestors. And to help fellow travellers with directions around this great, but slightly bewildering city is always satisfying. Tonight I will survey it from on high - the Eye, to be precise. I hope there will be a couple of photos to prove the experience. What an experience - sailing up over the sights of London as the dusk came, sipping a glasss of champagne, with two others in the capsule - and trying to absorb all the sights and record it as well. The photos do not do it justice, but I tried. There is a 3d film which you can see prior to the flight which was amazing in itself, sailing over the landmarks of London, and having seagulls appear , sprinkles of moisture, and dry ice clouds at your feet - it really gets you into the mood and ready for the flight. A thoroughly recommended must do in this city. It is time to come home, though, you get the feeling that home is calling, so ash clouds permitting we will soon be on our way, with wondeful memories, photos if any one interested, and which will remind us of special times forever. That is all
