New Year’s Eve in old London town

The day started with a relaxing breakfast at the hotel looking out on a sunny day but cold of course. We visited the ‘Golden Hind’ as it was just just along the Thames walk from our hotel. It is a replica of Sir Francis Drakes ship and it also circumnativagted the world a few years ago. Five shipwrights currently work on refurbishing it now. They have to source timber other than oak but it certainly gives you a great impression of ship board life hundreds of years ago with all the cannons and low ceilings below decks…we did bump our heads a few times so did gain our own impressions!

We walked along through to Borough Markets which were vibrant and full of amazing food etc. and then saw Southwark Cathedral and

listened to the bells peeling out. Not sure why they were ringing but maybe to say goodbye to 2023.

We caught the tube up town and visited a store I love - Fortnum and Mason’s - such a grand old place with elegant surroundings, very high priced goods and a fantastic Christmas display over the winding staircase of round brown Christmas puddings that lowered and spiralled around to Christmas carols…I am not explaining it very well, but it was so cute! I shed a few tears over morning tea remembering when I took my dad there for afternoon tea in 2012…he loved it and was ready for more walking after a restorative cup of tea. Dear Dad miss him so much.

We then went up to Bond Street to find Selfridges which we had not been to for a long time. We bought new suitcases to replace ones that were old and of course the new year sales were on…a bit of a bonus. We met a very friendly Brit who was originally from Pakistan and we had a terrific chat to him about life in Britain, his family in Pakistan and of course cricket.

Back to the hotel and a lovely New Year’s Eve dinner. We opted for a choice of one vegetarian and one meat option so we could try both…food was amazing. I feel that we have talked about food a lot on this holiday!! Britt/Dooley obsession perhaps or just that we appreciate nice things!!?? The staff were very attentive and we had a

great table by the river but nice and cosy inside. Quite rainy and very cold outside. We saw some of the fireworks but it was better on the tv. They do not compare with Sydney’s though. A brief call to Anna, Maddy, Sean and Michaela in both Dublin and Munchen to wish in the new year. Sean and Michaela created the most beautiful pavlova and lamingtons to take to Jeanfre’s for dinner…keeping up the Aussie’s end of the meal!

Good by 2023…it has been a mixed year for us all. Sean and Michaela have successfully made the move to Munchen and Anna has had great success in her shows. We love retirement, Mike turned 70 as did Mark Britt and our friends Stewart and Mary Anne,and we are proud of our family…and extended family and friends. Auld lang syne xx