Greetings From Judy in Southern California, USA

Hope you saved yourself some money by booking your accommodation online through this website Judy!

Lots of £££'s to be saved booking securely online, it's cheaper than going direct to the hotels. Start looking at the following link, and help POE at the same time http://www.picturesofengland.com/accommodation/

Hi Judy and a very warm welcome to POE - it looks as though the "boys" have been taking good care of you already 

It is a really friendly family site and I am sure you will have a lovely time looking at all the pics, information and chats! 

Judy---your hotel is near the River Thames ( on the other side is Lambeth) and between Pimlico and Westminster Undergound stations.

If you want a stroll, head north from your hotel to Horseferry Rd; turn right then left on the main road that'll take you to the Houses of Parliament. Then head north up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square; the National Gallery is on it's north side if you like art. Then, your options are open---through Admiralty Arch to Buckingham Palace; on the east side is St Martin's in the Fields church, well worth a look. Going east behind it will lead to Covent Garden.

Museums---British Museum, nearest tube stop is Tottenham Court Rd; walk one block north and right into Gt Russell St.  Museum is down there on your left. Or............

To South Kensington tube station---walk a bit north to Cromwell Rd and there on the other side you'll find the Victoria and Albert Museum; Science( the best of all of them) Geological, and Natural History museums. Really depends on your interests I guess.  A tube map you can download from here.

 http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/14091.aspx

Paul, again you have come to my rescue!  You have an unequalled knowledge of...everything!  Thank you so much.

My biggest concern is getting lost -- or mugged -- in London.   Last time the pickpocketers were everywhere, and the signs at the Tube stations gave lots of warning to be aware.  The economy is much worse today than it was in the 1980s, so I'm sure some people are more desperate and vulnerable.  We are absolutely going to visit the British Museum, certainly Buckingham Palace (do you think we'll be invited in for tea?), and I'd love to see the Natural History Museum.  So much to see, so little time...The Tube map will indeed come in very handy.

 James, you now look quite a bit like Dean Martin -- what a transformation.  His oldest son, Dean Paul Martin, was found dead in the San Bernardino Mountains near me in the late 1980s.  I think the jet he was piloting slammed into the side of the mountain going several hunded miles an hour.  But, I digress.  Have you found anyone to take you up on the tripe, trotters and cow-heels?!

And thank you, Cathy, for your warm wishes. How is all in South Africa? 

Take care all my new friends. More to come.

Judy