Tuesday 17th June London

London Tube mastered. Yahoo!

We were at a dilemma as how we travel across London at minimal expense. The thought of the taxi cost to our purse seemed to be spiral our budget. Our concierge suggested the Tube firstly, then second choice, a bus. I am not particular to the stop start travel of bus, then my consideration to Paul in accessing the tube via steps had me in a contrary, what to do? I discussed the choices with Paul and he decided to attempt the stairs in the Tube. 

Off we went, armed with tube maps and our trusty new tap and go MCD to pay for our travel. Very dear friends advised us of a new MCD they used whilst travelling last year, so taking their lead, we applied and left home armed with this card. It doesn't charge conversion rates and has 55 day interest free. We have used this all through the Baltics and UK and has been great. On the tube we just tapped the entry gates with the card and again when we existed. Great!. So easy peasy. 

We boarded in Gloucester Road, changed at Holbom and exited at St Paul's station. It took a while to find our bearings to St Paul's Cathedral but got there. Once there we were surprised to find a 17.50 pound entry charge each so made our visit count. 

                                                                 On the Tube.

                                                       Front of St Paul's Cathedral.

                                                         Inside St Paul's Cathedral.

The internal view of the dome.

                                                 Ceiling of St Paul's Cathedral.

I left my Paul sitting under the dome whilst I ventured downstairs to the Crypt. Firstly I walked to the artists section where Christopher Wren has his tomb, the painter Turner another. It is most interesting to see various areas dedicated to what the interred did.  Alexander Fleming in the scientist's area, Soldiers and veterans in another. 

Sir Christopher Wren's Tomb.

                                                                Nelson's Tomb.

                                                            Wellington's Tomb.

                                                Florence Nightingale's memorial.

When I ascended from the crypt I searched out Paul. There he was sitting under the dome bathed in light streaming through only one window. No where else had the sunlight beaming onto it, only where Paul was sitting. SO EERIE. I just had to take a photo. It is like God is giving him a special blessing! Paul in St Paul's Cathedral!

We sat for a while, considering if we wanted to attend Eucharist but decided not to. Again with local advice, we tried another first...the bus transport to travel to Imperial War Museum. Again tap and go.  Ha, getting the hang of this!. 

Freebie entrench to the museum, the porters even suggested Paul have the use of a wheelchair. Wow, did that make things easier. We headed to WW1 section and spent over 90 minutes wandering around, taking in the history of the British armed forces. 

I didn't take a photo of it but the remains of a bombed out car from a Baghdad suicide bomber, made a big impact. 

Cannons at the front of the Imperial War Museum.

Note the Shard in the distance.

Towards to end of our visit, Paul decided to walk for a while.

                                            At the front of Imperial War Museum.

Our return flight home on Cathy Pacific via Hong Kong was a comfortable journey. When we transited Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 in Hong Kong, Paul had a person push him in a wheelchair and help us through various check-ins and security points which was just as well as he would not have managed to walk the distance in time. Once we arrived home we had plenty of time to unpack and wash several loads of laundry before we went to bed. BUT........the jet lag from this trip continued for a good 10 days and a little longer. 

A great trip and cruise, one of the best and I highly recommend.