The Final Entry - London, Statistics and Thanks!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014
London, England, United Kingdom
It's been a long journey for both of us and, all of a sudden, we're feeling quite exhausted, and looking forward to arriving home (note: we're not looking forward to the 27 hours of flying). 
We're happy we decided to spend the five days in London . It's helped us wind down somewhat although the pleasant weather has not given us an excuse to linger lazily indoors. Having said that we've been pretty relaxed about what we've done. 
 
But before we tell you about what we've done, just a word about where we're staying. We sourced our accommodation through AirBnB and wound up with a simply fabulous home away from home. Our suite is in Chiswick, with two underground stations close by to whip us into London and surrounds. We're in an upstairs suite in a lovely, thoughtfully restored Victorian building. But the best thing about the place are our hosts, Leslie and Ian. We feel like we're honorary members of the family. 'Family' includes Bilbo the dog. So, the dog-lover, Kathy, is in raptures, while Peter, the onlooker, looks on in awe, admitting finally that, yes, Bil has personality plus. So, what have we've been doing? 
 
First port of call was the local Chiswick House and Gardens which we were not even aware of until directed there by Leslie. It was well worth the morning we spent walking the gardens and having tea/coffee with our host . The house was closed on Friday and we're hoping to go back on Tuesday morning before we leave for Heathrow.
 
Next day was Kew Gardens day. Quite simply a wonderful sight to behold. Tis now autumn and a heavy storm meant the autumn colours were not what they should be but it was still a superb sight for Aussies more used to the olive greens of New South Wales. We took a tour which turned out to feature all the 'nasties' of the plant world. Never knew there were so many plants and shrubs that could kill and maim. Here's a warning . . . don't cross us when we get back . . . we have the knowledge to . . . (cue: heavy organ music and maniacal laughter). We rounded out the day with a visit to the Crown and Anchor for supper and a glass of wine. A magic day. 
 
Yesterday, we finally headed for London and the British Museum, and afterwards the Duchess Theatre to see a play Leslie recommended. We allowed three hours for the Museum. What a laugh! We'd already spent a full day, two years ago, wandering through the museum along with Brendan, and thought that three hours would allow us to meander through the rooms we'd missed . Big mistake . . . again we found ourselves sucked in by the superb displays and spending far too much time, for example, on the history and evolution of time-keeping. Again, towards the end of the allotted time, we found ourselves whipping past a myriad displays that seemed to say 'look at me, look at me'. We just could not, "The Play that Goes Wrong" beckoned. 
 
Before talking about the play we must tell you about what happened on our way to the theatre. There we were in Covent Garden, walking down Bow Street and into Drury Lane, along the way, passing the Royal Opera House, and the Novello, where "Mama Mia" is still playing, when . . well, actually nothing happened, we just wanted to name drop some famous names - don't we sound sooooo hick colonial?
 
Now to the play, it was a belly laugh from beginning to end. Non stop farce but without being farcical. Move over Chekov, this was entertainment plus. No thinking, just laughter for the soul. 
 
Soon, the day ended but not before we'd taken the wrong train and having to retrace our route before finally tumbling into the Crown and Anchor once again for a hearty fish and chips and glass of Pinot Grigio .
 
Well, waddaya know? Turns out that Monday was the most gorgeous day weatherise and every other 'wise'. Buying an all day, all train/bus ticket for a total of AUD 50 (approx.) we started off by visiting Eltham Palace in of all places, Eltham. Funny that. The Palace is really an art deco mansion tacked onto the remains of a medieval palace. All that remained of the medieval palace was the Great Hall (and it's a whopper). Anyway, it was leased by Simon Courtauld and his wife and they proceeded to add, very tastefully, a wonderful Art Deco building which incorporates the Great Hall. Stacks of history here and and the decor . . . superb. Our poor words cannot do it justice. Have a look online and view some pictures of the rooms. And thank you Christine Tozer for suggesting this visit. Simply stunning!
 
After that we motored by train and foot to the Tower of London to see the 'Poppy display'. This display commemorates the 800,000 plus soldiers who were killed or wounded in World War 1. It is a fantastic sight. Meant to look like blood flowing out of the Tower, it consists of a red ceramic poppy for each British casualty and has been set up to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 . A wander over London Bridge and back finished off a wonderful day. Now we're back 'at home' and starting to pack for our trek back to OZ, and also, the finalising of this, our last entry for this trip.

To all of you who've been following our blog, and commenting via the blog, or email, many, many thanks. Also, to friends we've made along the way and hope to see again: Ann & Martin, Aude Rabot, Graham & Annette, Andy & Vreni, ChrisAlice, Anthea & MIchael, David and Sheila. Also, to Peter and Sheila, friends from way back with whom we spent a lovely two days in Folkestone. And, finally thanks to Bruce and Kathy Winterford whose example first inspired us to take to the road. 

Statistics: Le Van carried us for a total of 11,680 kms. Of this 5,321 was in the UK and 6359 in the EU. Fuel came to AUD 2,483. We used a total of 1,176 litres of diesel for a fuel consumption of 10.7 litres per 100km, which is staggering for a comfortable 'home on wheels' . We must say, however, that Peter is a feather-foot driver . . . 85kph average speed with an occasional surge to 90 to overtake some tortoise-foot driver. Steady acceleration and early deceleration all helped to towards that fuel consumption figure. 

What did we spend? Our spreadsheet shows that we spent AUD 4,477 in the UK, and AUD 9,720 in the EU, for a total of AUD 14,198. We figure that should be inflated by about 5% to cater for the receipts that Peter 'lost', and tolls for which we received no receipts. By the way, please don't think we were anal enough to keep updating a spreadsheet as we travelled. Oh no! The figures above are the culmination of about 8 hours work over the last three days deciphering receipts in many languages. It felt great to finally throw that bag of receipts into the bin!

Well, that's it family and friends. Tomorrow evening we depart Heathrow for Sydney and a short rest before we start planning for the next big adventure . . . hope to catch up soon, and, if that's not possible, we'll be writing soon. . .

 
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Comments

Bruce and Kathy
2014-10-28

Wow - can't get over 9 litres per 100......amazing.
Thanks for your comment - we knew you would love it.
See ya in Oz!

Martin and Ann Kin-Cleaves
2014-10-28

Farewell friends and we use that word warmly. It was an absolute delight and honour to meet my dear old pal Ron's true friends. We will meet again that I am sure of in your homeland. Travel safely and, if ever visiting again, our doors are always opened to you both. God Bless. Enjoy your life. Martin & Annx

Turandot
2014-10-28

Shew, you've seen the world and then some, inspired mi, tambien. What happens to Le Van now?

Alex
2014-10-28

I'll really miss your blogs. It's been like watching a mini travelogue! Safe trip home. Are you free to come to Berry 15/16 Nov? Love Alex

Joan McMurray
2014-10-29

Hi travellers. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible "honeymoon" with me, I've been places I've only dreamed of. What wonderful memories you have until the next time; I guess you'll start planning instantly. Have a safe journey home to your respective families. Lots of love the McMurrays

PETER & SHEILA
2014-10-29

What can we say? We've loved every moment of your incredible journey, and our Bucket List has become so long we are having to go on a fitness regime to make sure we live to be 100! At this moment we are sitting in Riebeek Kasteel doing a cat-sitting stint in beautiful setting surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and yes, we know it's not Europe but it's the next best thing on our valueless rand! And the cat is gorgeous, Kathy! Safe and happy homecoming.
Lotsa love Sheila and Peter xxxx

Technogypsy
2015-04-01

Wow ! Peter and Kathy - thanks for sending me the link to your pages on this site. I have just finished reading all your entries. It seems the weather was very good to you, you certainly were able to take lots of impressive photos on your "Magical Mystery Tour" (not so much a mystery as it looks like you did your research before you left and knew where you were going and what you wanted to see) However, you have written a lovely tale of your adventures which will no doubt whet the appetite of a few more of us aspiring travellers, and now we will all want to rush out and do it ourselves. Thank you for giving us some of the stats and costs of your trip - it is very encouraging. It is Bob from the Grey Nomads web site here (BTW) and I'm feeling very empowered now to get out there and emulate your wonderful unforgettable adventure.
Now that you are back home stay safe and enjoy some more trips until you head off again. Cheers from Technogypsy (Bob)

2025-02-10

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