London

MULondon has turned on beautiful warm sunny weather, the best for 3 years apparently! Everyone is out after work lying on the grass, picnicking and lolling in striped deck chairs in the parks in the first sun after a hard winter. We feel a bit guilty doing this as we've had 9 months of summer and haven't been at work. Every British bloke has his shirt off and the girls are in micro shorts and floaty floral tops. The tourists flock along in crowds. Skinny jeans, faded tunic and leather biker jacket OR beige slacks, beige (or maroon) jacket and plaque coloured lace ups are the women's uniform  of choice while men favour tan skinnies with black long sleeve t OR check shirt tucked into really baggy high waisted jeans.

Have walked and double decker bused everywhere since it's so lovely. We really enjoyed the National Portrait Museum. fascinating to see artists' portrayals of historic figures over the years. How the culture changes and how the modes of representation also change over time. I went to some smaller contemporary galleries this time. After making a special effort to find a show by Chistopher Wool at Skarstedt Gallery I inadvertently got into a private preview for friends of the artist. It was great. Am saving the Tate modern for our return visit next week.

Met up with Anna and kids and Belinda and Molly and Matt for dinner at the Opera Cafe in Coventry Garden. Was lovely to catch up with nieces and nephew,  all looking great and true Londoners now. I didn't detect any pining for NZ.

Our little balcony of our little room in Belgravia. 30 mins brisk walk into city. 

Cool spiral over bridge 

Beautiful Peonies in The Ritz, Piccadilly. 

Lovely old Centurion Theatre in Piccadilly. We saw the play iThe 39 Steps. Very clever satirical humorous version of the film of the thriller novel.

Wonderful OTT window displays at Fortnum and Mason 

Houses of Parliament with Richard the Lionhearted