Before the pandemic turned our lives upside down, I often travelled into the City on weekday evenings to meet Tigger from work. The pandemic put a stop to this and it has been a couple of years, I think, since I last made this journey. Today, as things were quiet at work, Tigger texted me to suggest I might join her there. No sooner proposed than accepted!

The bus stop in St John Street

I checked bus times on the handy app on my phone and made my way to St John Street. There are several ways to travel to Tigger’s workplace and I prefer to go by the 153 which is usually not crowded and is a nicer ride (in my opinion).

Aboard the 153

As expected, the 153 was far from crowded and I spent the ride looking out of the window and enjoying seeing the familiar scenery scroll past.

All Hallows Church

I had to change to the 100 to complete my journey and a convenient place to do this is at All Hallows Church as both buses stop there.

London Wall

The street in which All Hallows resides is famous but has an unusual name – London Wall,

A piece of the wall

You probably guessed that it takes its name from the actual defensive wall built around London by the Romans. Sections of it can still be seen.

Aboard the 100

I had only 3 minutes to wait for the 100 and then continued my journey.

The Highway

The 100 goes to Shadwell but I leave it in a street called The Highway. It is lined with a miscellaneous collection of buildings, some of which are office blocks and others apartments.

Garden with an igloo

I entered the precinct in which Tigger’s office is to be found. There is an open space surrounded by buildings and part of this has been arranged as a garden. I was surprised by a new feature (new to me, that is), namely a glass igloo in one corner. I don’t know what purpose it serves but will endeavour to find out,

In order to reach Tigger on the fourth floor of one of the buildings, I have to present myself at the reception desk. Tigger has already signed me in and I am given a small paper ticket which has to be surrendered when I leave.

The lifts

Now I must confront the lifts. These are controlled by touch pads. You touch the number of the floor you require and are told, both visually and by recorded voice, which of the six lift cars to enter. Simple? It would be if the wretched things worked properly but the system is skittish and it often takes me several tries to make it behave.

The reception area

I arrive eventually and take a seat in the company reception area. I am given coffee and now have to wait patiently until it’s time for Tigger to quit work.

Aboard the 100

When the time came, we returned to the Highway and boarded a 100.

Near the Museum of London

The bus brought us to a stop near the Museum of London where road passes under the Barbican Estate.

Aboard the 56-

Here we caught a 56 which carried us along Goswell Road to somewhere we have been before!

Kennedy’s

Although today is only Thursday, it’s a “virtual” Friday because this weekend consists of four days, Friday to Monday, instead of two, owing to it being Easter. We are not religious but we will take the extra holiday, thank you very much!

Inside Kennedy’s

We had deep fried halloumi with chips and tea. I also had a portion of mushy peas for a change. (“Mushy” is pronounced in the northern accent to rhyme with “cushy”.)

With that pleasant meal under our belts, we were soon home, ready to rest from the exertions of the week and to be ready for tomorrow because, as I often write, “The weekend starts here!”