Culture alert! Although it is mostly pop culture. Today was all about the street art of East London. We had to negotiate the London Tube, subway, to get from our hotel near Piccadilly Circus to The Goat Statue, what city really needs more than one Goat Statue anyway, near the Liverpool Street Underground Station. Moderate difficulty ensued working the ticket purchase and then going the wrong way out of the station. Operating on just one cup of coffee, we arrived about 10 minutes late…luckily we were the only tourists on our tour, so our great guide, Becky, waited for us and off we went. We got a good taste of late spring London weather including a few sprinkles, but we were prepared. We tromped around the East End and were amazed by the creativity and effort that was on display. Legally and illegally. At the end of the tour we stopped for a fish and chips lunch at the family owned number one shop in London, and as recommended by our guide. Poppies. We happen to get a table seated next to an older gent who turns out to be The Poppy. What a character, 72 years old (thanks Google) has shops all over London and still bicycles to work every morning and sweeps off the sidewalk In front of his shop. Lots of stories from his rock and roll days before Fish and Chips and a wonderful BFF for Bonnie.
After that a quick Tube ride to the Tower of London for tales of beheadings and torture from a Beefeater and a look at the Crown Jewels. Or as Bonnie called it window shopping.
A few snapshots of our day. Headed to Florence tomorrow. London food porn on the next post.
Bonnie’s new BFF Pat “Poppy” Newland
