Our last full day in Lisbon and what a day. We were up bright and early to catch the 8:11 train to Sintra. Then the 434 bus which winds its way up to the entrance to Palace de Pena castle. Not wanting to over do the walking we elected to pay the 3 euros to take the shuttle bus to the top. Well worth it I reckon.

Sintra is magnificent. Take a look at the photos.

We took the Belem line tour bus to the coastal area south west of the city centre and had a walk through the Maritime Museum. The greatest collection of model boats, ships and submarines I have ever seen. Back in the centre of town we wandered back to our favourite restaurant to spend the afternoon watching people. A most entertaining day.

A smooth transition from London to Heathrow and a pleasant short hop flight to Lisbon. Our taxi driver looked a lot like Merrick Watts and gave us a commentary on the way to the hotel. Once checked in and changed we headed down the main street to the restaurant area and had a early meal, which was delicious before heading back up to bed. Tomorrow we take the Hop on Hop off bus around to see Lisbon and visit the Maritime Museum.

Grey skies greeted us again this morning. Sue and I went for a stroll around Trafalgar square and I bought the very touristy wind cheater with the word London emblazoned across the front. Not what I would want to actually wear in London, however it was quite cool and I was glad of the extra layer.

When Katelyn joined us we took a tube to Belsize Park which is a short walk to Hampstead Heath. A lovely park with meandering paths under huge trees. Lots of dogs taking their owners for a walk.

We had lunch locally with a couple of Katelyn's ex pat girlfriends, Steffe & Anna. Returning late afternoon via Westminster & Parliament House. Big Ben is completely concealed by scaffolding during his restoration. It is a pity to see the extent of fortification around the significant buildings to deter/prevent terrorist attack.

Still the buildings are magnificent and we were happy to spend some time walking around looking at them. Being a bank holiday in London we had plenty of company as we walked around. Early to bed after dinner since we have to be out at 8:30 am to catch our plane to Lisbon. Looking forward to warmer weather and sunny skies. TTFN

The 7:00 am alarm was not so welcome this morning, however we were on the 9:05 to Oxford and so up and out early for the tube to Marlyebone Station. It is old and huge. The forethought by the architects is staggering. It easily copes with large numbers of people today. A very smooth train ride for an hour or so saw us arriving in Oxford under cloudy skies with gentle but persistent rain falling. It's hard to take in all that Oxford has to offer from beneath a black umbrella, and after a failed attempt to take a taxi to John & Fiona's B&B we opted for a cool drink while we evaluated our options before our lunch booking.

Roddy & Emily suggested we visit the Ashmolean Museum, which given the rain was a great idea. After a look around the Pissarro, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet & Renoir scribbles we headed to Brasserie Blanc for a long and most enjoyable lunch.

After lunch the rain had stopped, so we took a short tour of Oxford, the all too soon back on the train to London and straight to bed. Good Night All.

After a full breakfast in the fabulous dining room at the Charing Cross Hotel, we headed out for a walk around Borough Market. The air was thick with smells from a myriad of cheeses and meats to every kind of pulled chicken, pork or lamb with appropriate sauces most of which are cheese. We were still full from breakfast, but ever thirsty we sampled a jug of Pimms, mainly for the fruit of course.

After our visit to this iconic market we made our way to the Tate Modern Gallery where we went to the viewing platform on the 10th level to take in the sights of London. The day was a bit grey but still a great way to see the sights.

Then on to Camden Town Brewery, which just to be confusing is in Kentish Town. Katelyn organised a brewery tour as a birthday gift for me. During the tour we were given cans of beer to taste as we walked through the process. It was just like my process only on a massive scale. I had wanted to visit this brewery because they published a recipe for their IPL (India Pale Lager) in a book I have and I wanted to see how close my version is to the original. I'm happy to say I think mine is pretty close, so I'll be making it again when we return.

Lots of walking done, we returned to the hotel and then ventured out to a pub for dinner. Big place but good food and service. Then home for a well earned rest.

Arriving mid afternoon yesterday, we came by car from Heathrow to Charing Cross where we are staying. It made a nice change from the train rides we have done previously. We got to see more of London this way and even went past the Palace and up The Mall.
Having checked in and showered we took the tube to Katelyn's office. Very well set up modern space. Lots of light and rustic interiors. The space was a paper mill back in the day and the industrial feel is still there with massive oak beams and exposed brick walls.

Katelyn took us to Flatiron Steak for dinner. It was delicious. Very tender with great fries & sides.

So today we head to the airport for our flight to London via Dubai. We are travelling in style thanks to Emirates Chauffeur Drive. Not that we are in business class or anything special, but we do qualify for one chauffeur drive per year with our credit card so why not?

We were able to use points to upgrade to Business Class for the flight to Dubai which started the trip off nicely. Unfortunately we didn't have enough points for the Dubai to London leg, and the noisy children with slack parents made it seem longer than it was. Roll on London….