Travel Journal: Thursday, September 10, 2015 First full day in London

Brian: met him in Lesotho, Africa, where we both taught high school in Mohale's Hoek. He taught about 26 years in various parts of Africa, plus in London, the St. Gilberts, and Norway.

Slept nearly 12 hours, woke up feeling rested. Slow start. Took overground train from Barking to London Bridge, (name of underground station) where Brian exchanged currency for his cruise in Russia. Walked around area - famous new building there is The Shard. Lovely architecture.

The Shard - office building

Burough Market, via Burough High Street exit from London Bridge underground station: numerous food stalls selling a wide variety of different kinds of foods - cheeses, meats, fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables, breads, coffee, charcuterie, alcohol. etc. and prepared German, Italian, Indian, Thai, Balkan, Egyptian, etc. foods; roasted corn on the cob - $7 (UK3.50)

Tube then to West Hampstead to see Brian's new condo, in the process of being built, possession next year. Enjoyed a walk along the main shopping street, and saw several different types of restaurants and shops of various kinds. In a deli I bought a tin of venison pate for $14, and we had coffee and a traditional British scone (different from those in Canada) with clotted cream and jam at Nero's.

Then tube back to Green Park where Brian's club is located. Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) located adjacent to Queen's Walk, in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace. An old building, posh, with meeting rooms, a dining room, garden, and a drawing room, where people actually go to read. Had tea, which included petite sandwiches and a pastry.