London

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - Samuel Johnson

We dropped the car off at Heathrow yesterday morning with the odometer showing we drove 1,100 miles during our two weeks in the U.K. My feet feel like they've done about that much mileage too.

We took the train from the airport to Paddington Station and then walked the six blocks to our hotel pulling our suitcases behind us. The hotel is obscenely expensive and very basic. Our room is so small, it is necessary to step out if you need to change your mind. Nonetheless it is clean and well situated, about a twenty minute walk from Lancaster Station. Upon arrival yesterday we dropped our bags and hit the street with the intention we would walk a few miles then take the underground to Covent Gardens where we would dine before the show. As we arrived in Covent Gardens quite early we stopped by the theatre to pick up the tickets I bought on-line more than a month ago. They had no record of our tickets. I produced the receipt and the young man at the box office told me that the tickets had been issued for a performance for the day after I booked it in May. We were, therefore, six weeks late. I explained to him that I had a confirmation that the tickets were correctly booked for last night. He didn't really seem surprised so I guess we aren't the first people that has happened to. He gave us three tickets for a box, not as good as the seats we were supposed to have, but good enough. It was a great show.

When we left the theatre it was pouring. There wasn't a taxi to be had and none of us had an umbrella. It was a long, crowded walk to the underground, a long descent down the stairs (Merv didn't want to wait for the elevator and failed to see the sign that said there were 192 steps down to the train) and a long, wet walk back to our hotel. I practically collapsed into bed with exhaustion.

Today we bought tickets for the hop on, hop off tour bus. We rode for two hours then walked for five. We are back at our hotel for a short rest before making our way out for dinner. We have agreed to stay close to the hotel. We are all tired and tomorrow will be another long day. Our flight is at 2:00 P.M. We've had a great time. As much as I've loved it, I will be happy to go home.