London

Clear but chilly when I arrived. In to town achieving oyster card on the way, comes without instructions but the locals are tolerant of the fumbling. Hard to look like the sophisticated traveller as you activate the gates next door and fail to get your own gates to open. I am always so pleased to be a stranger in town. None of these folk know or care if I make a complete cake of myself. It was far too early for the hotel to be ready tho they happily took my luggage, lucky luggage it was very comfy in that office. Aching with the trip and pretty groggy despite at least six hours of broken awkward dozing I lurched out into the day. Vodafone does not get up early so off to St Giles in the Fields, cmpletely surrounded by highrise, some interesting Australian connections Balmain buried there. Also poets Chapman and Marvell. Had to buy a scarf as the wind was sharp. Phone was set up by the nice people and off I went. Decided to look at the National Gallery, so wonderful, pity they don't allow photos, even the interiors are worth a shot, richly grand but sufficiently austere to let you enjoy the art.