Bray
survived his first ice skating experience today – without falling over even
once! An astounding feat. We headed to the rink at Natural History Museum nice
and early to beat the hordes and were blessed with good weather this time. An
hour on the ice was definitely enough as our feet weren’t used to the skates so
getting a bit sore on it after a while. The feeling of ice skating was
definitely something new and different for Bray who had understandably expected
something a little like roller blading in terms of sensation.
We had a
little bit of time after this before our next appointment so popped into Victoria & Albert – that museum is
AWESOME. Bray was so wow-ed that he insisted we return tomorrow to give it some
quality time on his birthday! What little we did get to see definitely amazed
us and left us wanting more.
Next we
jumped back on the tube to St Paul’s where we met Sheetal – a member of
Brayden’s ‘sister flat’ in Wellington and an awesome chica. After wandering
along the Thames for a while we made our way to The Banker (the ill fated pub we have been to while it is closed 2x
already) which was open and ready to serve us – yay! We nabbed seats by the
window overlooking the Thames and imbibed a cheeky beverage with some hot chips
to sustain us as we caught up on each other’s news. SO good to see Sheetal and
catch up! Eventually she left us to go and catch up with more Kiwi and Aussie
mates at her next location. We walked her in the general direction to make sure
she got there before heading back down to the Thames.
Now to Tate
Modern, the building itself is ma-hoo-sive and a really interesting space for
exhibitions. We started on the top floor and worked our way down through the
exhibitions and installations until it was almost closing time. Great to see a
few works Roni recognised from the various art classrooms she has frequented
over the years (thanks Mum, Fee, Deb and others!) and we really enjoyed some of
the installations and a number of the paintings and sketches.
Then it was
time for evening prayer at Westminster Abbey after we made our way there
through the drizzle. No choir tonight but it was still cool to meet where other
people of faith have been fellowshipping for so many years and surrounded by
historical figures and the soaring architecture. After the service ended we had
a nosy around the church itself before passing Westminster and Big Ben all lit
up with their Christmas tree still shining brightly.
Home on the
tube and via the co-op to get hot dogs for dinner before hitting the packing
and cleaning with breaks for How I Met
Your Mother watching and eventually to bed – after midnight so we could
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bray before it was time to sleep.
