Well, my very short visit in London is coming to a close and I find myself in the sitting room of the lovely hotel known as Pembridge Court Hotel.  The day actually got off to a late start, as I overslept.  I woke up at with only a half-hour before I was do to check out from last nights hotel, the Kensington House Hotel, only a few blocks from this location in Notting Hill.  Both of the hotels have been exceptional and have provided a very relaxing environment for me, prior to my journey north tomorrow to Edinburgh (pronounced ed-in-burra) 

After checking out of the Kensington House Hotel, I opted to walk with my luggage in tow to the underground station a block or two away.  It was still overcast, but fortunately for me, I thought, it was not raining.  If you come to London, don't make the same mistake as I did last year.  I had thought I could easily use the tube to get from point A to point B with my luggage.  Well, the tube is very deep underground, and more often than not, they only have stairs to reach the outside.  But, if you are smart, you can start to "lug" your luggage up, appearing to have quite a struggle, until someone comes along and says, "hey, let me help you out...".  It works every time.

I was very fortunate that both of today's stations had but two flights of steps, so it was quite easy for me.  I also lucked out that the Pembridge Court Hotel was on the street right next to the station.  It was near noon before I got all settled in.  I decided to head out to the Tower Bridge and take a ferry down the River Thames to Greenwich, a neighborhood Amanda had recommended.  With no problem at all, I was able to ascertain that the "Circle Line" would get me to my destination.  After waiting only moments, the train arrived.  While in route, I saw the stop before Tower Hill was Westminster, so I decided to get out and see if I might be able to take some nice pictures there.  I was here last year and have extensive photos of this part of London my "Photographs" link, under trip two.  I decided to go into the Westminster Abbey and paid about $7 dollars to do so.  (I should mention that a one day pass for all access to the tube cost me just a little less than that)  Once inside, I found myself marveling at all types of various sculptures where various famous people have been interred.  (is that the right word)  I thought about taking pictures, and even went so far as to visit the press office to ask permission, but it was denied.  So, as I walked amongst the "dead", I decided why risk taking pictures, when the gal at the press office said she'd email me some.  After leaving the inside, I was able to take some nice pictures of the outside of the Abbey though, which I am quite pleased with. 

Now, it was back to the tube.  While going to the Tower Hill station, I realized it was getting late, so I best take the above ground train to my destination.  By the time I arrived, it was nearly 5, so I thought a quick look around was all I had.  It gave me a great chance to see some nice sights in Greenwich.  It used to be a major shipbuilding location and port.  It wasn't long though until it was time to head back.  I decided to take a 1/2 hour boat ride back to the London Bridge, and catch a train from there back to Notting Hill.  Getting around London is so very easy, and I felt safe 100% of the time in transit.  Almost anyone will help you if you need it.  I got back to the area of my hotel, and got out one stop short, at Kensington Station, with the intent to walk back, looking for a good place to eat.  The streets were extremely busy at this time, as it was rush hour.  I was told I could access Notting Hill by walking through Holland Park.  What a pleasant surprise I thought to myself, as I walking through such scenic park with bike trails, people playing soccer and other games, and lots of trees.  Amazingly, it was so very peaceful in the park.  I say that because the noise on the street I had just left was very loud. 

Once back in Notting Hill, I found a grocery store that had a department in the back, selling Indian food.  I got my food, chicken something or another and some rice.  Now, where to sit and eat it I thought.  Then I saw McDonalds and thought, hell, why not.  So there I sat in Mickey D's, eating my dinner while people walked past on the sidewalk outside.  Apparently, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, as I was not able to finish it. ( a rarity for me) 

Having a full stomach, I thought just sitting outside on a bench watching the traffic go by, both foot and automobile, would be nice.  After a half an hour of people watching, I came back to the hotel.  I was greeted in the lobby by Churchill, a resident cat of the hotel.  Quite famous I understand.  The hotel has two of these cats, who roam the hotel freely.  The other one is Spencer, much older than Churchill.  I took a picture of Churchill, and then some shot some panoramas and pictures of my room and the sitting room where I now sit.