On to Maura's in London, October 16, 17, 18

 October 16, Brussels to London

Pagoda at Kew Gardens

     We got a taxi to the Midi Station for Eurostar in Brussels and arrived shortly after noon in St Pancras Station. Then, we took the train to Vauxhall where we got out at a food hall and had a bite to eat so we didn't arrive at Maura's hungry. Then, we got the train to Motspur Park where Maura was waiting with a car.

Barbara as a Supreme Court Judge looking very stern

    We spent the day chatting and doing a laundry and had a nice meal with Maura

October 17 A day at the Supreme Court in London. 

Maura, a more pleasant Supreme Court Judge

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       We took public transport to Charing Cross and had a lunch at St. Martin's in the Field. Then, we walked from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square, passing the Horse Guards and Downing Street, a walk we have not taken in years. It was a lovely day, so crowded with tourists. 

St Martin-in-the Fields window 

        Then we went to the fairly recently created Supreme Court. (I think it was formalized in 2009). It is a lovely building right across from Parliament and near Westminster Abbey.

   

      We spent time reading the exhibits about the history of the Court including the struggle to create it. It was very interesting. Their old Supreme Court was comprised of 3 people from the House of Lords. So, it was attached to the legislative branch. This new court is separate, so more independent. The judges have to have judicial experience and there is an effort to be sure they have expertise in various types of law (criminal, civil etc etc).

         We had a coffee in the cafe and visited two of the three court rooms.

         From there, we wended our way back to Motspur Park and had a lovely salmon dinner together.

         We also watched episodes of Ludwig with David Mitchell which we hope we can get back home as we are hooked.

         Another 4.5 mile day of walking.

October 18 A Day at Kew Gardens

        Today we spent the day at Kew Gardens. We started the day with a chilly drizzle, but, by the time we got to the Gardens, the sun came out.

   

    We had coffee at The Botanical, the cafe there and then we strolled a good deal of the garden including the Marianne North House which could not be photographed. She was a Victorian biologist and artist who was noted for her plant and landscapes and who traveled the world. The gallery walls are crowded with her amazingly precise works of art and are quite overwhelming to see all at once.

The Hive, immersion sight and sound installation at Kew

       Then we took the train to Raynes Park and ate at Lime and Thyme Italian restaurant and got home after dark.

     A full and good day. 5.5 miles of