London

Today is recovery and transfer day.  We'll attempt to get on English time and move to the hotel selected by Cricket Australia for the Australians attending the matches. Following a delightful breakfast with Jerry, Florence and Lauren, we depart this disappointing Marriott property for the Hilton Westminster. Our taxi driver informs us of her upcoming honeymoon to Hawaii.  She quizzes us on the various islands and by our arrival we've helped plan her trip. The trip is made via the new version of the standard black London taxi.

Our afternoon walk begins at Parliament and Big Ben.

 

The walk continues along Whitehall and past Downey Street and the Government buildings where we spy a small pub.  Fish and chips and a beer are the order of the day.

 

After walking the London theater district we come across a craft brew pub. It doesn't come close to the high standards of the U.S.

 

Our return walk to the hotel is through Chinatown and Piccadilly.

We enter the home stretch gasping for air via the circle that fronts Buckingham Palace. We meet only one Aussie couple even though we have transferred to the hotel booked by Cricket Australia. After a nap, we check out the lounge and take a short walk to a nice Italian restaurant  a few blocks distant. The meal and wines are excellent and sharing time with a couple from St. Louis most enjoyable.  They are headed to Normandy and Brittany on a walking tour and we share some tips since that's our home territory in France.

With Lord's on our horizon for tomorrow we retire early.