London Day 5 The Tube and Museums

Tired of walking to our destinations and being too tired of walking to enjoy them upon arrival we finally went to Waterloo and picked up some Oyster Cards.  Down to the Tube and just a couple of stops over to Covent Garden.  It was very easy and I highly recommend to anyone arriving in London to GET ONE.  It does have its limits and I'm still not exactly sure how it will effect us as it seems to limit us to the Central London area.  Although it was not on the day's agenda, we found ourselves right in front of the National Gallery so we went in.  IT WAS HUGE and overwhelming so after visiting a few of the galleries we left.  Perhaps if it rains we will go  back and get the head sets.

 

 

We passed through China Town on our way to the London Transport Museum which was reasonably sized and rather enjoyable and informative. 

Telling us about London's population growth and  transportation needs from the 1800's.  First with boats across the river Thames to bridges and Horse Drawn Carriages straight through to the building of the underground tunnels to accommodate the tube. 

 

There was also a full 2 level Gallery of POSTER ART and if you are in the area don't miss it. 

 

We finished this day by eating in the Lamb and Flag.  I finally had the traditionally Fish and Chips.

Still cant say I like fried food any better than I did before.

 

Looks good though.

 

 

London Fun 1

We left from Newark Airport on the most delightful night.  The air was cool and crisp and the blue sky turned dark slowly with a golden sunset keeping the light from fading completely for a long while.  Everything went very smoothly.  We slept most of the way. 

 

Six and 1/2 hours later we arrived at Heathrow at 10am, local time.  There was a steady light rain falling for the majority of our ride to the Premier Inn County Hall in Central London.  Our location really is great.  With lots to do in the immediate vicinity and easy walking to many sights. 

We put on our rain coats and figured it might be a good time to explore Waterloo Station.

 

 

 

I really liked the lines here...we were sitting on the second level looking out at the trains coming and going.

 

 

 

Eventually the sun came out and we were able to take a nice leisurely walk along the Thames.

 

This guy was doing a little comedic magic show.  When he saw me with my camera he dropped from a stand and posed for me just like this...he was pretty funny.  Ultimately he managed to get someone to give up a cell phone for his trick.  I watched him get that cell phone INSIDE the balloon.   He graciously accepted my US dollar.  The exchange rate is so bad for us here that we pay about $1.60 for one pound.  Still he was happy.

 

I was trying to stay up as long as possible so after a little rest time in our room I came back out for some night shots.