Prodigal has returned...again

The grey thick low clouds blanketed the approach to Gatwick Airport as the Thompson's  Boeing 737-800 plunged blindly through the turbulence, bobbing about like a cork float in rough seas. Eventually, after what seemed like hours instead of minutes, the undercarriage thumped the wet asphalt and the sighs of relief from the passengers almost drowned out the roar of the engines in reverse thrust.

Back in the UK!

And back to the drizzle and grey skies that abound most of the year in this wonderful, familiar and welcoming nation.

Unmistakable silhouette, even through a rain-splattered glass pane

And yes, it feels oh so good to be back.

IT is no secret I consider the UK as home. I've lived here most of my life. England is a vibrant, exciting and busy place and has everything anyone could ever need. And London is to me the centre of the known universe.

I love Madeira too; the friendly people, the laid-back way of life ,the stunning scenery, the low crime rate and the weather, and I feel sad at leaving all my friends behind. But I'll return, some day...

Another move, another challenge, another adventure to take on. Will I ever tire of wandering?

I very much doubt it

:)

London calling

Last Sunday I visited the British Museum for the first time. Yes, the very first time!

I'm into history, have lived in London most of my life, yet had never visited the BM.

I'm glad I'm now doing the tourist rounds, showing Madeleine what a great city London is.

 Here's me, happy to visit the British Museum

No, really, it was very interesting (despite the grumpy expression) to see the vast collection of artifacts on display. Four thousand years of human history all in one morning's visit...and all the Egyptian mummies...ew

The dessicated remains of a man who died 

3000 years ago in the Egyptian desert

... and then there was the  trip to the fabulously trendy Camden Market.  If you're ever in need of clothes that make a statement, Camden Market is the place for you. I'll return when finances allow for a mega shopping spree.

My next day off work will no doubt be spent checking out some other tourist attractions,  unless the weather is hot enough for a trip to the coast. Roll on summer

:)

Sex and Drugs and Bacon Rolls

Went on a drive into central London earlier today with the intention of paying a visit to The Breakfast Club in Soho. It's supposed to serve great breakfasts and that's exactly what I needed after a late night at an engagement party.

My head was fuzzy my stomach empty and the queue outside the Club a mile long. To make matters worse it started to rain as we approached. After a few expletives directed at no one in particular,we made a hasty  retreat into O'Neill's Pub in Carnaby Street. The 'hair of the dog' went down a treat, washing away the previous night's excesses and the bbq burger and chips.

never got to taste the food...this time

no wonder the queues are long!

humn?!?...not quite what I had in mind

gloomy in the rain - the view from O'Neill's 

There is a kind of serene melancholy when the rain falls in London.  I never quite know what to make of it, but I know I like it. It is so familiar; the greyness, the smell, the atmosphere. It feels like the great city is weeping, quietly, without a fuss, as if wanting to go unnoticed. Part of me wants the rain to keep falling, as a reminder that life has its ups and downs, its good and bad times. London weeps with me, albeit for different reasons... I just wanted breakfast, that's all!

:)