Day 8: Christmas shopping, day 3 and 4

After a night spent on the board and bricks, it was time for another day in London. First the bus from the hotel to Brixton (about 45 minutes), then hop on the Underground and on to Victoria. I had thought of seeing another musical, Christmas-related or not, but it being a Sunday, most had a day off. There were two I wanted to see: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (day off) and Matilda. But 80 pounds was a bit steep even for me. 

I then made my way to Westminster and on to the Southbank. Half an hour later, I found the perfect in between meal: Dutch pancakes or poffertjes. The girl flipping said poffertjes was no natural, but they tasted good. Next time I will have to ask for a bit more icing sugar though!

Moving on along towards the Tower, I saw two sandcastle builders. One made a face and the other one made a beautiful castle complex, complete with smurfs(?), princess and a prince. The most artistic sand castle I ever made was a turtle! Anyway. I moved on, crossed the river towards St Paul's and sat there for a while nursing my poor feet. Even though I had used blister plasters (which I had NOT forgotten), my feet were still sore. 

But I knew the perfect solution: late lunch/early dinner at a nice restaurant and I knew just where to find it: a shopping center near Bayswater. However, when I entered it, it was spookily empty. There were a few shops and stands, but no Christmas decoration at all and it was just a depressing place. And my nice restaurant was not there anymore either! Fortunately I had seen one of the same name out on the main road, so that's where I led my poor feet. 

Lunch/dinner was great, the service was great (and cute) and I felt refreshed and ready for some more 'shopping'. I knew of another shopping center and after the waiter (yep, the cute one) told me which station to use, I made my way over. 

I was a bit dubious on entering though. All expensive shops! Was I going to find anything that was even remotely in my price range? But I needn't have worried, there were plenty of shops in every price range!

Trafalgar Square. Only on the green lights though

The next morning I realised I had only bought one Christmas sweater and there was a bit of empty space in my suitcase. After having taken the wrong bus (do I ever listen), I finally made it on to the right bus and found the supermarket I wanted. I found two more sweaters and a pair of pj's. Got some brandy (for my Christmas puddings) and made my way back to the hotel. Where I tried to stuff everything in my suitcase.

This reminded me so much of Ginnie Marie, I had to take a photo!

It wasn't happening. So, in the end, I had to take off the thin sweater I was wearing and put on the thickest one of all! It was really nice, but also really warm! But, finally everything was packed, I was able to check out and take myself to the station and from there to the airport. My trip to London was over. 

I can't wait for next year's trip. Gera???