Okay in London

A family of five arrived safe-and-sound iat Heathrow airport on Thursday morning, GMT. To them, it was closer to midnight. They’d hired a driver (Ray, from Central London) to take them into their apartment and Ray was equal to the task, gregarious and pleasant and informative, showing off any sights along the way. They drove by Buckingham Palace, and Ray pointed out the Royal Standard flying above it – the Queen is in residence! They tipped Ray grossly; he was unfeignedly delighted.

Although the apt was not yet ready, the family were able to drop off their bags & lurch off in search of a nearby deli and market (pointed out by Ray on the way in) to get a good meal (the airline food, unlike last time, was unremarkable at best and even puzzling at times) and some groceries.

The super let them in early, about 10 AM local time, and they collapsed in a jet-laggerly heap in various beds.

Awaking at about 8 PM, tour of them took a walk around the neighborhood while the fifth (eldest daughter) stayed home, resting and trying to beat a flu and the resulting ear-pressure pain from the flight.

Just down the street, a few blocks best of the apt, they found the Tower Bridge, and just west of that, of course, the Tower of London herself. All Hallows Church, just west of the Tower, is the “oldest church” of some sort or another in all of London. The parents had been there last February.

Twilight finally faded around 9:30-10 PM. The family had a late dinner in, and went to bed by midnight or so.