In typical 'nick of time' style we woke up, packed our bags and made our way to the airport - naturally there was time for a quick glass of fizz before boarding the plane! Just as we approached our departure gate, we saw our friends Brad and Mel who were about to set off on their own Hawaiian journey - it was great to have a farewell party!
After enjoying the airline food during our first flight (7 hours - Brisbane to Singapore) and then again during the second leg (12 hours - Singapore to Frankfurt), Phil still had room for a German beer and sausage while waiting in transit for our final flight to London. Didn't matter that it was 7:00am - Phil is convinced that international airports are 'time neutral'!
Christmas Eve
Arrived in London and hit some of our favourite places - Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, King's Road... Did some Christmas shopping and then relaxed by the fire in one of our favourite Chelsea pubs.
Shopping done...
Christmas Day!
Started the day with exchanging gifts Santa left under our candle tree. . .
and made our way to Christmas morning service at St Paul's Cathedral. The choir was amazing - the carols were beautiful - the setting was magical.
Wandered down Fleet Street to The Coal Hole on The Strand for our Christmas lunch - four gorgeous courses.
With massively full stomachs, we waddled via Trafalgar Square and Pall Mall to St James' Park to join some other waddlers.
Continued our quest to walk off our Christmas feast by strolling up New Bond Street. The Christmas lights on the shops were really beautiful.
There's no public transport in London on Christmas Day so walking is the best option. That is, of course, until you realise that you've walked so far that you're actually a long way from home. That's when you look to Plan B - the cycle hire scheme! We hired bikes in Mayfair and rode via Regent Street, Soho, Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road, Bloomsbury, Holborn, back up to St Paul's and home to the Barbican. Legs will be sore tomorrow - but gee it was fun!!!! You wouldn't know from the photo below which was taken in a very well lit tunnel, but our ride was done completely in the dark (although it was only 5:00 in the afternoon!) making for great viewing of the Christmas lights.
Legs willing - Boxing Day sales tomorrow!!!
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Riding bikes through London streets,what fun!
ReplyDeleteYou were both probably walking like me next day.
Can't wait to see what's inside those carry bags.
Pictures are great.
LOL.