Back Down South

Dad had suggested an afternoon tea somewhere (very cute of him to ask mum, "Do you think Katie might like...?") I did like. Very much. We had pots of tea and plates of sandwiches and fancy tarts at the Compleat Angler, looking at the river as it flowed past, although we weren't seated on the terrace as it began to rain. It really was a most enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Mum is overwhelmed by the tea tray

Dad plays peek-a-boo with the scones

The company is great and the view's not bad either.

All Saints' Church, Marlow

Dad at the Compleat Angler

Dinner with friends at Cousin Rachael's place was a lovely way to spend an evening.

Our Man in London with the little person

Family portrait

Cousin Rachael and I went to see Henry V at The Globe. I will write more about this spectacular performance, but here are a few pictures of the venue. As we were groundlings (standing in the yard for $5) our pre-show drinks of Pimm's and cider cost more than our tickets. For some reason this amused me.

The Globe Theatre

Cousin Rachael checks out the programme

We ended up with a lovely walk from Marlow to Turville. The Chiltern Hills are absolutley gorgeous!

Looking back at Marlow

Dad and Cousin Rachael in the leafy lanes

Half-time refreshments at the Prince Albert

Fingest

Turville

The windmill at Turville

Marathon Viewing

Went into London with various family members to watch the men's Olympic marathon. While Hoggy tried to work out the best place to watch the race, the rest of us amused ourselves.

When we arrived at Paddington, Hoggy told Aidan that if he ran at the wall on the platform it would open up and let him through, as in Harry Potter. Aidan gave him 'the look' and told him not to be so stupid, everyone knows that's at Charring Cross. I'm not quite sure what Hoggy was hoping for.

We sat on the Embankment and watched the runners flash past. Once again, there was a great atmosphere with thousands of people lining the route three-deep and all cheering and waving flags.

Hoggy with London skyline

Scarey Sis and Nephew Aidan

Cousin Rachael

I liked the bank of photographers on the back of a truck focusing their lenses on the lead runners - a bunch of Kenyans and a lone Ugandan who eventually won his country's only medal. We had a couple of Brits competing and they received a resounding response, but there were lots of cheers and support for everyone.

Cousin Rachael commented that she forgot how many non-English people there are in London, particularly at weekends and events - I love London; it's such a cosmopolitan city!

Photographers in action!

Waving the flag(s)