The next day we drove on to Southampton as we had booked to see Barry Humphreys on his farewell tour.I certainly think it is time he retired!
Southampton is a large and busy city.We stayed in a hotel in the old town so were surunded by historic monuments and building's including the old town gate and what was left of the town wall after WW2 bombings.
Of course it is also an extremely busy port.
With our time over at Kingswood we had a few days spare so drove down to Portsmouth.
We arrived late afternoon, found some accommodation then headed into the town on foot to see the sights (about 3 miles).
We hadn't gone far when the heavens opened and we were pelted with hail and rain.Thank goodness we had our emergency ponchos with us.
The town it's self seemed a little down at heal.We had a look around then took the bus back to our hotel.
The next day armed with local information we took the bus to the Historic Dockyard Precinct. It was amazing! We spent the entire day there and barely scratched the surface.Just so much to see and do.
We had an hour guided tour over the Victory 255 years old .Our guide was a wealth of knowledge.We learnt all about the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and Lord Nelson.
We learnt the meaning behind lots of sayings we use.Including a square meal and on the fiddle!
We then moved on to the Mary Rose built by King Henry 8th in 1512. This boat was raised from the Harbour in 1982 and is still in the process of being dried out.
From here it was onto a ferry to tour the harbour and view some ithe Royal Navy fleet including the Aircraft carrier Invincible.
We walked off the ferry onto the Warrior.The first steam sail ship.Built in 1860.
We ended our day in Action Stations and took a simulator flight on a Jump Harrier Jet low level.Taking off and landing on Aircraft carrier.
On further local advice we took ourselves off to the Lady Hamilton Pub for some well earned refreshments and ended up talking to a retired commander of two battleships.
It was time to head off on another A A mission, this time to the town of Kingswood in Surrey.
Our charges were two very large and very spoilt Gordon Setters.
We became very fit over the next 10 days as they needed two walks a day.
Morning walk 2 hours and afternoon walk 1 hour, rain hail or shine.
We explored the local Heath and commons, great for dog walking.
In our time off we went off to visit local towns.They are all full of history and beautiful buildings.
On a crisp clear winters morning we took the bus to Marble Arch on the edge of Hyde Park.We walked its full length and breadth over the Serpentine to the Dianna Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
We enjoyed the semi tame Squrils taking nuts from our hands.
In the afternoon we walked up and down the full length of Oxford Street before catching the bus back to Hackney.
We made the most of our next week in London.
One fine day we walked onto the city from Hackney.It took us 50 minutes.Faster than on the bus!
We came across lots of interesting sights and places.
Another morning we took the tube to South Kensington.
We visited Christies and found our way to the British History Museum.We enjoyed the Earth Exibition.Facinating but just too much to take in.
Across the road was the Victoria and Albert Museum where we easily spent a couple of hours once again we were over awed.
We walked along to Harrods for another look.The food hall is amazing!
Thanks to Annika and Andrews kindness we were able to stay with them yet again in their small flat in Hackney.
We feel very at home in the area now.It is a very busy area very popular with young families ss the real estate is still afordable.Lots going on.
Annika took us to the local Saturday Broadway market.Wow delicious smells coming from every stall.Food from all over the world.Just too much choice.We ended up eating our spoils on a park bench, couldn't wait to get home.
