Day 143 - Is this London or Asia??? 3 Aug 2011

Another warm night in London and not a lot of breeze so my fifth storey bedroom in the hotel was a sweat box.  The drinks I had had the night before helped me sleep. 

After breakfast I headed off to explore St Paul's Cathedral.  I really can't remember if I visited there 19 years ago or not. It really is one of the most beautiful churches I have been in though.  They have a free audio guide so I spent a couple of hours wandering, listening to the audio and taking it all in.  No photos allowed - you will just have to go there yourselves (or google it).  It is so worth it, the statues, domed ceiling, wooden choir benches and especially the mosaics are breathtaking.  I don't consider myself to be religious but you can't help but be moved in St Paul's. 

I was going to then go straight to Westminster but the weather was incredible and so I just wandered the streets, making my way to Covent Garden.  I really do love London, there is so much to see and do.  I know it is a big chaotic city, but there are also plenty of places to get away from the chaos.  No where else has big double decker buses and black cabs!  Watching the world go by is so easy.  I wish I was in my 20s again so I could get a British work permit and move back here.

I shopped in Covent Garden for awhile then had a bit of lunch.  I distinctly remember how I was in America, so excited and wound up, that I just went from 1 site to another and barely took time to breath.  I am so different now - chilled, enjoying just watching and being part of a place.  I suppose it also helps that I have less than 6 weeks to go and still have money in the bank so have relaxed with my spending.  It is a lovely feeling.

I went back to the hotel for a shower, then went out to Rayners Lane to visit the McIntosh family and Kitty.  I stayed with Kitty in New York, and she is now in the UK on a holiday.  Az cooked an amazing pork belly.  The kids were in fine form, we were running around the back yard playing soccer and football.  The McI family are excited as only 2 sleeps until they holiday in Barbados.  My friends definitely get around!