We’re really getting into the swing of things now here in London.

Morning coffee at the local café, an evening drink at the local pub. There’s a pattern forming.

And walking.

Mayfair is in a prime position for walking just about anywhere, within walking distance, that is 🙂

There was another tourist/historic site to tick off the list, so off we headed to the Tower of London.

It was a fairly long walk along The Strand, Fleet Street and past St Paul’s Cathedral, where we stopped briefly to inspect the basement and crypt. We weaved our way towards the Thames for a great view of Tower Bridge and finally made it to the Tower.

So many tourists. So many……

We decided not to pay an arm, a leg or a head (a Tower joke) to see inside. Jeff had done the tour previously, so there wasn’t much point in doing it again.

We ducked into the gift shop for a quick look. You can buy anything Royal in there, including a stuffed corgi, but the crown grabbed my attention.

My little legs were tired, so we opted for the ferry back down the Thames to Westminster and then the Underground from there.

Home, where the promise of tomato and basil soup from the local deli awaited, followed by a relaxing afternoon, book in hand.

Iranian Food

We were especially determined to make it to our Iranian restaurant booking and we weren’t disappointed.

Iranian food is right up our alley. For starters, there was a selection of dips and fresh herbs, accompanied by hot, freshly baked flatbread straight from the stone oven.

We then shared a lamb and eggplant with lentils dish. It didn’t look the greatest.

But it was delicious.

Walking this city is a bit like walking a Monopoly board — Regent Street, Oxford Street, Park Lane, Piccadilly Circus, Fleet Street, Mayfair…

Private Clubs

Private clubs are popular. Popular, that is, amongst those who can afford to join and actually get through the doors.

There’s a large private club across the road from our apartment called LouLou’s. We’ve walked past a few times, trying to peer through the windows without being too obvious, hoping for a glimpse of a celebrity or perhaps even a Royal.

The doormen look quite stern, so we don’t loiter.

Another private club we came across was Annabel’s, clearly celebrating a birthday.

Tastefully decorated?

London’s West End

Regent Street is long and imposing, with the big red double-decker buses looking almost dwarfed by the grand buildings that line the street.

It certainly makes you feel rather small.

We wandered through the back lanes of the West End looking for Berwick Market in Soho, which was supposed to be open on a Saturday morning.

Disappointingly, only two stalls were open.

Still, wandering around Soho wasn’t wasted time. There were plenty of interesting little shops to poke our noses into along the way.

Another West End destination was Carnaby Street.

The street dates back to the 1700s, but it really found its fame in the 1960s when it became associated with aspiring hippies, designer fashion boutiques and underground music bars.

It must have been quite a place to be back then.

This shoe shop has certainly stood the test of time and still seems to be a fashion icon.

And judging by the shoes in the window, it’s not exactly playing it safe.

Piccadilly Circus

As a child, I thought Piccadilly was an actual circus.

Turns out it’s simply a road junction and public meeting place. Not quite the big top I’d imagined.

We stopped to listen to a busker who was very entertaining and soon had some of the crowd up dancing.

Perhaps not a circus, but there was certainly a show.

A Little Bit of History in the Making: People’s Vote March

A massive anti-Brexit People’s Vote March passed right near our door in Mayfair.

There were claims at the time that more than a million people had taken part, and thousands made their way down our street on their way to the march.

Jeff, being a keen protester from way back, naturally lurked around the edges with his camera, looking for some timely photos.

We’d come to London for the sights, the food and the walking and somehow found ourselves with a front-row seat to a little bit of history in the making.

Her Majesty’s Theatre – Phantom of the Opera

What better way to end a West End day than with a night at the theatre?

It had been 28 years since I’d seen The Phantom of the Opera in Melbourne, and Jeff had never seen it.

We loved the whole experience – the grandeur of the theatre, the elaborate stage sets, the costumes, the music.

Everything.

There was a strict “No Photos” policy inside the theatre, but I did manage to sneak this one of the seating. We were on the middle level, which was perfect. From there, we had a great view of the stage and could take in the whole spectacle.

And then, the perfect end to the evening with a London black cab home.

Tired feet, a head full of music and a little bit of London magic along the way.

Not a bad way to end the day.

Catherine & Jeff