Day 2 vacation

Thursday May 26

Plane landed early when it was finally allowed without paying a huge fee for being too early (noise management for those living near the airport) at 6 am. Immigration and luggage was quick. All good!

We found the information booth in the airport hall to find out how to get to our hotel. The express train seemed to be rather expensive. We got a print out for a slower version and were pointed in the right direction. There was help standing at the entry who told us just where to swipe with a credit card when we entered and just to swipe again where we exited. But we had to have a credit card each. Later we could see why that was important.

Swipe when going through!

Yes, later we could see how easy this was. We had no idea how much we would be charged but James found out from the bank that it was $1 each. Wow!

We came out of the underground at Waterloo Station and there was somebody we could ask directions to our hotel. Easy and not far at all. It's a small hotel. Not one of those large chains. The manager was very friendly and was prepared to keep our luggage until we could get into our room. It was still very early.

We knew about were we were from looking at the map when we were home. At home I rely so much on the GPS on my phone but not wanting roaming charges we don't have that feature outside the US. So we miss it. 

But we are good finding our way anyway. Off into the direction of the River Thames. A coffee shop was needed. And there was one a man recommended with a to go cup in his hand. We were not really hungry but then...

Can't believe we actually had a big breakfast. Time to move on.

We don't really feel like tourists since this is part of family life etc. We don't feel like we have to see everything there is to see and just wander around. A very good way to enjoy.

We just walked around. There is Big Ben. To the Westminster Abbey. We debated to going in but entry fee was quite expensive and there were so SO many people. Just didn't feel right. But we saw on the sign that there was an Evensong Service at 5 pm. I went to one of the red-coated people to inquire and she was very nice and informative. Either because of the Jubilee time or because it was Ascention Day ... tonight's service was going to be special with a full choir, holy smoke and Eucharist. Yes, proper high church service. 

After we found all that out we decided that this is what we wanted to do. Because of the quarintine we had missed two Sunday's in church. Online service is not quite the same. 

We walked back to the hotel. It was still early but because I had not been able to change into proper walking shoes my feet were very happy just to sit in the hotel lobby. We could take care of some emails and mainly, look into what to do tomorrow. We booked entry tickets for the British Museum. The nice hotel lady even offered to print the tickets which were emailed to me.

Finally could get into the room, get situated and get ready for the evening. We had been told that people were being let in for the service starting at 4:30 pm but usually start queueing at 4:15. We started walking from the hotel a little after 4 and arrived just at the right time at the church. At the door we were told "for people wanting to attend the service only". I am sure tourists try to sneak in.

I was told off when I took this photo. Picture taking not allowed. I guess only when you pay tourist entry. 

Sorry, I assumed it was ok before and after the service was ok.

We were pointed to take a photo of this on a sign. Church goers could download a service sheet.  Printed ones were in short supply. Sorry, it didn't work for us because out of the US our smart phones are not so smart. 

We got a printed one though and shared it.

The service was just what we needed. It was in the main altar area. Very high church and so very meaningful. The boys and man choir was truly masterful. 

After the service I asked one of the ushers whether I was allowed to take a photo of the St. Martin banner explaining that he was the name-sake of our church. He gave permission. 

We followed the procession right through the choir area to the other altar area. Many people now took plenty of photos but I just didn't feel right about it. Of course it is ok outside.

Bells were ringing a very long time. When we were listening I saw this:

Isn't that a nice prayer?

So, we made our way back. Over the River Thames again.

But after the bridge we decided to walk just a little more.

A very nice walk along Lamberth Palace. This wall intrigued me though. All those hearts. 

There were lots of names in those hearts with dates and short messages. I guessed that these names were from people who had died from covid. I was right.

I think we must have walked for about 2 hours until we were finally back at the hotel. It had felt so good. The weather was really quite nice.

When we had checked in earlier we were asked to do it ourselves on an iPad. Passport numbers etc. When I marveled about that she said "it is for fire reasons'. ???

But the last question was: instead of cleaning service would you like coupons for complimentary cocktails? Yes, we would. I am happy if I don't have to tidy the room because somebody will come in.

So, when we were back from the service and walk we decided on that nightcap. My goodness, what a read that menu was. Those top two was what we ordered. 

And, oh yes, we also ordered just a very little pizza to share. Everything was just perfect. We had to 'digest' the happenings of the day. When we sat in the church where so many royal weddings and funerals have taken place, it does make you think. Looking at the choir stalls I could see the Queen sitting in one of them all by herself.

When we finally were in bed we were asleep before we hit the pillows. Nothing like a good night's sleep.