Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - London

Not strictly 'Lyn and Leon Go to Ireland' but I should give an update.

Our plane was delayed for 30 minutes "due to technical difficulties with the aircraft". About an hour into the flight we were then told, "The captain has asked that everyone put on their seat belts due to turbulence. Please remain seated and refrain from using the lavatories at this time." Over the next few minutes we had that sort of turbulence which feels like aerial ruts in the road - at speed. Then, very calm, "This is the captain speaking. Ladies and gentlemen we have an emergency..."

Imagine what went through everyone's mind in the next nanosecond. Then the announcement continued, "appeal today for the victims of the Hurricane in Haiti. "

Redeemed from plummeting 3 kilometres to our deaths we all scrambled to contribute to those less fortunate.

Most people thought this was all an unfortunate combination of circumstances and an unfortunate choice of words. My theory is there was a bet amongst aircrews over who could collect the most money for charity and our captain was a reincarnation of Machiavelli.

In London, Heathrow security for our flight was 0. We walked straight out. We caught the tube to Kings Cross and walked to our flat. It is all comfortably familiar.

Saturday evening we went to the final performance of Merchant of Venice at Shakespeare's Globe. It was a great performance in a wonderful setting. I was entranced. Lyn enjoyed it but was tired out and Tudor seating arrangements were so uncomfortable that she stood for most of the performance.

Outside The Globe

We needed a rest from adventures on Sunday but by Monday we were ready for action. We caught a bus to Little Venice and eventually Lyn found our canal tour boat. We travelled the length of the Regents Canal in a narrowboat called Jason with a tour guide who was very good but of the authoritarian type. When she said, "Look to the left..." she made it very clear that the only option was to look to the left.

The trip ended at Camden markets which were excellent but bewildering. You can get lost there but you would never starve to death while your money lasted. Lyn bought things.

When we got back to Tavistock Square Lyn went back for a rest and a shop and I went on to the Cortauld Gallery which seems to have acquired every famous impressionist painting that isn't in the Louvre or the Musee D'Orsay. It was excellent and nobody was there to tell me which way to look.

On Tuesday we caught the train to Oxford. We did an excellent 2 hour walking tour, I got to visit the Ashmolean Museum (I could easily have spent all day there) and we shopped too. I acquired ties. I could easily have spent the children's inheritance in Blackwell's Bookstore but how would I transport it all home? Packing to return is already looming as impossible. I think we will need to shop for another bag.

Our Handel St flat entrance

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Jason the narrowboat