The first Day

The first Day:

The day was filled with hectic organization. The list of clothes etc had long been made, packing was done 2 nights before departure and we were all secure in the fact that we had our necessary gear in appropriate sized satchels.

I was able to work until 2pm and easily make it home to hand over the house to Lilly, the keeper of our cats ; Avril and Rhea and of course Ginn, our mischievious Australian Labradoodle.

Ginn was suspicious of the bags and weeks’ activity and stayed close the last few days. She even came down to my study to hang out, an unusual behaviour when Deborah was home, in her own way suspecting I was staying home and perhaps a closer détente should be made !

Arrival at Vancouver Airport was uneventful, Deborah and I on business class tickets had access to the lounge, Catherine did not though I offered as the plane was delayed about 40 minutes.

This was the source of a bitter complaint to her brother Hamish , later published on Facebook , stating that “ Dad made a B_ to the first class lounge, abandoning me in the departure lounge”. Excellent concept but not entirely true!

In the loung we met one of my retired colleagues, Don Studney, on his way to the diabetes meetings in Lisbon. I felt no envy as we left them in London, scurrying to make their connection, as we prepared to find our driver who had been booked to take us to our flat.

The drive to London was pleasant, our driver very helpful. Surprisingly the traffic was light and we made good time. We were informed of the high price of driving in London, congestion zones, the price is 10 pounds a day (approx 17.00 Can)! Parking is 5 pounds an hour, obviously driving is economically dear!

As we neared Soho the roads narrowed, the congestion increased, the names changed more rapidly , and our driver mimicked a cruise missile, constantly changing his direction until 1 final right turn, going the wrong way for about 30 feet allowed a left turn on to Old Compton, a street of 4 blocks in length.

The 3 story walk up to our flight was a challenge with the suitcases, however the apartment was clean, and functional, the owner, Marcella, a delight.

Time to get out and explore, one of our agendas was to take in shows. As we exited the apartment, 2 blocks to our left was the Prince Edward Theatre where Jersey Boys was playing