After lunch we did go out again. As predicted, I shed a layer of clothing and was still warm enough throughout. The sun, though, obviously thought it had done enough by shining during the morning, and hid behind clouds for the most of the afternoon.

Speeding down Rosebery Avenue

In St John Street, we caught a 341 bus which terminates at Waterloo Station. We occupied front seats upstairs from where I took the above photo as the bus sped down Rosebery Avenue.

Approaching Holborn Viaduct

A few minutes later, I took this photo as we approached Holborn Viaduct, a handsome iron bridge that carries one road over another.

In Fleet Street

Here we are in Fleet Street, named after the River Fleet that runs by here but is now covered over. The name “Fleet Street” was once synonymous with “the press” or, as we would say now, “the media”. All the national newspapers maintained a presence here but most are long gone to more commodious accommodation in areas such as Wapping.

Now in Strand

Fleet Street becomes (the) Strand at a certain point, a famous street that contains, among other notables, the Royal Courts of Justice.

Colourful pub in Lower Marsh

We left the bus at its final stop opposite Waterloo Station and walked to a nearby street with the picturesque name of Lower Marsh where the colourful pub in the photo is to be found. Lower March can be an interesting street but it was boringly quiet today.

Upper Marsh

Lower Marsh leads to a street called Upper Marsh, which is logical, at least. It starts as a tunnel under the railway but then becomes an normal street open to the sky.

Blue pillar box in honour of the NHS

We found ourselves near St Thomas’s Hospital. On the pavement in front of it is a pillar box. It is in use like any other pillar box but has been painted blue with the words “Thank you NHS”, in honour of a service that, overwhelmed at times, nonetheless served us unstintingly throughout the pandemic at a cost of NHS workers’ lives lost to the disease. This debt can never be adequately repaid.

The Thames and Parliament

We reached the Thames here where there is a view of the Houses of Parliament.

Riverside cafe

Reaching Lambeth, we stopped for refreshments at this riverside cafe.

Part of Lambeth Palace

On the opposite side of the road is the sprawling collection of buildings that constitute Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Parts of it date to the 15th century.

Walking along the enbankment

We started to walk along the embankment beside the Thames. Do you notice anything about the wall on the right?

The National Covid Memorial Wall

From a distance, the wall appears pink. This is because it is covered with millions of red hearts, each representing someone who has died from Covid. It is called The National Covid Memorial Wall and is very long so I can only show a pathetically small section of it. Many hearts are inscribed with the names of people who died, testimonials left by those who love them. Facing Parliament, perhaps it will stir a few consciences. (No, I don’t think so, either.)

Westminster Bridge and tower of Big Ben

We reached Westminster Bridge where can be seen possibly the world’s most famous clock, known universally as Big Ben after the name of its largest bell. It is currently wrapped in scaffolding undergoing renovation.

Tunnel under the bridge

We crossed passed under the bridge by this rather insalubrious-looking tunnel.

The London Eye

Continuing along the embankment beyond the bridge, we came to the famous wheel known as the London Eye, currently closed. I have never been on it and have no plans to ride it when it starts up again.

Avenue

We left the river and the Eye by going along this avenue of trees.

Not the stairway to Heaven

To return to Waterloo Station, where we would catch our bus home, we needed to climb this staircase of 37 steps. After a long walk, this was not altogether welcome!

Another tunnel

At the top of the staircase, one passes through the buildings by a tunnel. The shape you see on the right is a tent inhabited by one of London’s many homeless people.

Waterloo Station

We reached Waterloo Station and went out through the exit nearest our bus stop.

The Wellington

Our stop is opposite this handsome pub called the Wellington, which seems awkwardly caught between two railway bridges.

On the bus home

The bus was not long in coming and we were carried speedily back to the Angel. We stayed downstairs this time as we had climbed enough stairs for one day!

You can always trust the British weather to do the unexpected. After several days of grey and chilly conditions, we now have sunshine and temperatures of 18-19°C. Not that I am ungrateful. I hate the cold and welcome the improvement.

Sunshine in Baron Street

Whatever the weather, come rain or shine, Sunday is shopping day, and so we set off as usual at 11am. Despite the bright conditions, I followed the old saying “Ne’er cast a clout till May be out”, and dressed warmly except for swapping my winter coat for a lighter one. I’m glad to say that I was a little too warm. I shall remove a few layers (like a snake shedding its old skin) when we go out again later.

Lively Chapel Market

In Chapel Market, the stalls were out in force, making a fine display in the morning sunlight. It’s beginning to be harder to remember the miserable appearance of the market during lockdown. Let’s hope we have reached the end of that difficult time and that there will be no relapse.

Sainsbury’s – not too busy

Sainsbury’s was about as busy as it usually is on Sunday morning, meaning we had very little difficulty surfing the shelves for our purchases. Working out what you intend to buy before you enter the store also helps.

We didn’t have too long to wait at the checkout, either. The checkouts at Sainsbury’s, as in other shops, are enclosed by transparent screens. This is sensible if a tad claustrophobic. What will happen “after Covid”, I wonder? I suspect that screens in shops and other businesses will remain in place for some time, possibly permanently. I have seen suggestions that masks could also continue in use, for example during flu or other epidemics. Learning from experience is a valuable tool in facing future problems.

Our coffee oasis

As usual, I took the cup holder and hurried ahead to Mercer’s for our coffee reward. Today’s coffees completed a loyalty card: free coffee next time!

As I write this, we are at home, the shopping has been put away and we are having a little rest before lunchtime. What shall we do this afternoon? Whatever it is, I shall be sure to let you know!