I was up at my usual time this morning. I had breakfast, checked my email, etc and then asked myself “What now?”

Tigger is working the late shift today but, in addition, she had a clinic appointment at 9 am and was enjoying a little extra lie-in.

It suddenly occurred to me that if I hurried, I could be ready to go out with Tigger when she left for her appointment. No sooner thought of than put into action! I also had a ulterior motive, which will become apparent.

Into the busy streets

We went out into the busy, rush-hour streets. The sun was shining, making things seem a little more cheerful, but the air was chilly, the more so because of the strong, gusty wind.

Entering Great Percy Street

We crossed Amwell Street and entered Great Percy Street. I stopped to photograph the garage which was open with mechanics working on vehicles. I am always attracted to garages, firstly, because my father was a motor mechanic and, secondly, because I used to work in a garage during vacations when I was a student. The smell of motor oil and petrol always revives happy memories.

The path between gardens

We walked along this path that runs between community gardens. If it has a name, I have not been able to discover what it is. I refer to it as the path between gardens.

The Amwell Practice

We reached our destination, the Amwell Practice in Nairoji Street and went in.

The waiting room

When Tigger went for her appointment, I stayed in the waiting room. As this was empty at the time, I felt it was acceptable to take a photo. (I wouldn’t have done so had there been patients present.)

A couple of years ago, the waiting room would have been full of patients waiting to be called by their doctors. Post-pandemic, face-to-face appointments are replaced wherever possible by phone or video calls. It always strikes me as strange to find myself in an empty doctors’ waiting room.

Passing through Spa Green

When Tigger emerged after her appointment and set off for her workplace, I proposed to accompany her part of the way. We crossed Rosebery Avenue and walked through Spa Green where its war memorial was basking in sunshine.

Aboard the 153

From Spa Green we entered St John Street and there caught a number 153 bus. This bus would take Tigger part of the way to work and even during rush-hours us not usually crowded.

London Wall

We left the bus at the stop near All Saints Church in London Wall. Beside the bus in the above photo you will see the establishment that I hoped we might visit (the “ulterior motive” mentioned above!). Tigger had skipped breakfast – as required for her appointment – and I was hoping we we would have breakfast (the second for me!) en route.

Caffè Nero

As it happened, my luck was in because Tigger was quite happy to catch up on her missed breakfast. We crossed the road and entered Caffè Nero.

Coffee and croissants

We ordered coffee and croissants (no prizes for guessing!). We couldn’t tarry too long as Tigger was anxious to reach the office, on time if possible, or at least, not too late.

Old Broad Street

We bade our tearful adieus here, on the corner of Old Broad Street. Tigger then walked further along London Wall to the stop for her next bus.

Liverpool Street Station

My route took me along Old Broad Street to Liverpool Street Station. It was still quite busy as was only to be expected at that time of day. In the photo, I am riding the escalator down to the main concourse.

Aboard the 153

I went to the bus station next to the railway station to catch a 153 bus for home. Fortunately, I didn’t have long to wait and was soon on my way.

Now I must think of ways to fill in my time until Tigger returns home this evening.