From ANZAC to Meatloaf

Very early start today being April 25. Picked up by Uber at 4-00am and off to Hyde Park corner for ANZAC service. This year the service was based around the NZ memorial. Long lines to clear security and we made it through Wellington Arch just as the service started.

The main guest was Prince Harry and because his bride to be was in attendance for her last appearance before the wedding there was a big media turn out. The service was excellent, and all the speakers added to the occasion as the sun came up. The NZ memorial makes a real statement and there were 1000’s of people in attendance. Well

worth getting up so early.

RB and Janet headed home for a well-deserved sleep. I decided to do a bit of exploring. I started by wandering through Green Park and St James Park. It was a stunning morning and being so early there were not too many people about which made for a very enjoyable stroll.

From there I walked up the south bank and found some breakfast and watched London come to life.

Next I headed out to Little Venice and joined a walking tour around the area. My tour guide was Peter. Somewhat unnerving when he said to me I remember you from a previous tour – that was two years ago in Mayfair. The area is really interesting and full of history. It is built around Regents canal and all its stories. There are also a heap of older rock stars in the area and we ended up not far from the hospital where the latest royal baby was born a couple of days ago. One of the odd things about the tour was that we finished up at the hotel that Alan Turing, the enigma code-breaker stayed at. That’s where we are going tomorrow.

After lunch I walked to St Johns Wood and Lords cricket ground. Caught up with RB, Janet and Ben. After a pint at the Lords pub we joined the tour through the museum and the ground. Very cool to see the ashes, sit in the long room and be in the changing rooms with the honour boards. Our tour guide, Steve, was your classic English cricket supporter and member of Middlesex, the home team. Very knowledgeable and kept it interesting. The whole set up is very English and well worth a visit.

After the tour and a spot of tourist shopping we had a pub tea back in Little Venice in an ancient pub with our own cubby area. Next we were into town to see the show, Bat out of Hell. This is Jim Steinman’s musical based around the meatloaf album. An excellent show which again would recommend.

Home after all this for a sleep after a massive day. Early start again tomorrow.