Liz says hi

The trip to Saint Pauls was sucessful: I can now say that I've seen Her Majesty in the flesh (plus a fair few other members of the royal family). Although it was from a distance of ten metres or so. Having ticked that one off the list, it was time to keep with the royal theme and take in the "bling bling" that is the crown jewels housed in the rugged fortress of the Tower of London. The tour of the tower was very interesting, ranging from the medival White Tower to the Tudor royal residences which imprisioned Anne Bolyen. There are a lot of connections between French and English royalty and events so many aspects of the tower married with stories previously heard in the various Chateau along the Loire River. Although it was nice to see a more fortified castle in comparison with the oppulant chateaux.

That evening I caught up with Anita, who is into her third year in the UK. Fantastic to catch up with her! Hopefully she can be convinced to bring her mountain bike to Vanuatu.

Today I headed to Camden Markets to check out the bargins, punks and the canal locks. Then it was off to the Imperial War Museum. Another excellent museum, especially the sobering exhibitions on genocide and the holocaust. Also interesting to check out the WWI exhibition, since my grandfather fought at Gallipoli and France.

Emma and JJ arrive today and we're off to Wales this weekend with Lisa and Kevin... no mountain biking for me but I am looking forward to getting out to the countryside.

Also, belated birthday wishes to Liz, Dad and Glenda.... I hope its not to cold in NZ!!!!