UK Recap!

So, Clyde and I arrived safe and sound in London just over 2 weeks ago.  I slept well on the flight, but despite the seat upgrade, I still experienced a lower-backache that lingered a couple of days.  Then to top it off, I developed a case of delayed reaction' cankles ... not fun lol

Clyde with our luggage at T5!

Thankfully, those minor distractions soon faded away and it’s been a fun-filled, mostly sun-drenched, vacation home. Periods of frantic social activity, catching up with family and friends, interspersed with indulgence in fondly remembered British fare. 

Yummy Lamb Shank Pie with a cooling beverage :)

I've spent time re-acquainting with my nieces ...

Tweety & Tiff ... striking a pose :)

... they spent time getting acquainted with Clyde (who has now been re-named 'Coco' at the insistence of my younger niece ... not quite sure how well he's taking to the name change lol) and match-making him with Mini.

Coco and Mini ... courtesy of Tiff!!

I've had my passport renewed ... 48 blank pages now waiting eagerly to be filled with colour from around the globe :) The folks at the Passport Office in London make the entire renewal process totally painless. One was tres impressed :)

Been up in Manchester a few days visiting my people up North. Again, sunshine madness reigned supreme.  Every available patch of grass in the city centre was claimed by a body in want of a tan and some Vitamin D.

I’ve hung out in Central London and the City, and had a tipple or two in some fine establishments. Rediscovered my Soho haunts with my mate, Mia.  Had a delicious time at Patisserie Valerie … Patisserie Valerie always deserves a special mention … yum.

I've spent lots of time in stations as I darted about from place to place.  I find I've actually enjoyed it all ... I amused myself by smiling randomly at people on public transport and watched the different reactions lol 

London Victoria ... off-peak!!

I've had some downtime too ... couch-potato-ing or walking down country lanes.  I was staying with my sis and there was a lovely riverside walk round the way from my her home.

 
  

I was operating on Cayman timeframe (aka 1hr’s notice or less to plan/commit to activities) and, as a result, was unable to see some people I would dearly have loved to meet up with.  NOTE TO SELF: London requires more planning time for social activities :(

So now, I’m all set and ready to go.  Next stage of the adventure beckons.  I’m off to Peru in 9hrs … will arrive in Lima 10\10\11 @ 11pm.  There’s a certain symmetry to that and I like it :)

Travel insurance now sorted, as well as my first two nights in a hostel in Lima (1900 Backpackers Hostel). This is going to be an interesting experience considering the last time I slept in any kind of dorm was over 20 years ago lol.  

I’ve only booked two nights as I plan to explore my options the next day and then decide if I’ll be moving to Minaflores...which, I’m told, is where all the backpackers want to be.  We'll see what happens.

Will keep you posted xx