London

Went up to London on the train today to symbolically finish our adventure in the centre of London.

Started by doing a couple of things that we hadn't had the opportunity to do on previous visits. Wembley was our first stop to look at the Wembley Arena where lots of concerts are held, and Wembley Stadium where many of the football matches we watch are held, particularly the F.A. Cup. They've just finished rebuilding the stadium in readiness for the 2012 Olympics. It's rather nice, with wide approaches for the spectators, a glass front, and an arch over the stadium in the fashion of many millenium bridges and stadiums.

Back into London to Notting Hill, and a walk through the famous markets down Portobello Road where we had lunch.

Then we did the symbolic London tour in the afternoon - across Hyde Park dodging the crowds on their way to the Pink concert, through Marble Arch and Green Park to Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Whitehall, Downing Street and the Horse Guards. To Trafalgar Square for a last view of a statue of Nelson (every city has one), and a walk up the road to Piccadilly Circus where we (sadly and reluctantly) declared the adventure finished.

Disappeared down into the tube station labyrinth, and after a blur of colours and lines we arrived at Waterloo where we changed to our National Rail service to Haywards Heath. The British might grumble (about anything actually), but their rail system is to be envied. Expensive yes, but comfortable, quick, efficient and air-conditioned. Even the station and platform staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. If only we could duplicate it.

Anyway, 45 minutes later we pulled into our station right on time, walked the 2km back to the house, and started organising ourselves for the morning. Tea with the Brinks who are also flying out to Denmark on holidays tomorrow. They've been wonderful hosts.