After ascertaining that Harrods does not open until 10 am, meaning we do not have time to go there , we have decided to go back to Garfunkels for breakfast, and have a last wander along Oxford Street.
Oxford Street before 9 am in the morning is almost completely traffic free, it's quite amazing. All we see are the buses, and not too many of them either. It's really rather pleasant walking along the street without having to elbow your way through a crowd!
After breakfast, eggs florentine for the oldies, and pancakes, bacon and maple syrup for the youngie, we walked back to the Leonard and checked out. The doorman hailed a black cab for us, which wasn't black, and we were off to Liverpool Street station. Our cabbie told us he could take us right onto the platform, so that sounded as if it would be very easy for us. We had originally decided to take the underground to the station , but the thought of hoisting my case up and down flights of stairs and escalators was just too daunting for me, so we opted for a cab.
We envisaged being driven right next to the train, but it was not quite like that. The taxi rank next to the platform was closed because buses were parked there, so we had a short walk to the ticket office. No problems buying our tickets, no concessions for any of us though. The cost of rail travel is outrageous here, only tempered by the fact that it is so good ! Three tickets to travel 45 minutes on the train cost £40, equivalent to $80.
Last evening it cost £15 for one short tube ride each!
Mama picked us up at Witham Station, and we went to a lovely lunch at her parents retirement care house. It was lovely to see them again, and for the first time, meet some of Aysha's extended family.
Witham is a lovely little village, where Edna and Wallace are living very happily, close to a couple of their children.
A forty minute drive took us to Frinton-on-sea, where Mama lives in a most delightful 60's built block of flats. She has the end flat, which is very spacious, and we are accommodated in separate bedrooms.
After a great nights sleep, and a yummy breakfast, we were off to St Mary's Anglican Church for the contemporary service, which we very much enjoyed.
We were made feel most welcome at the coffee time afterwards.
The church was built in 1929, to replace the small one that the congregation had outgrown. It's quite a different building technique called flint stone, and very attractive.
After church we took a very brisk walk along the sea front, the wind was freezing, but the sun was out.
There were many dogs on the beach, along with their owners, and we even saw a horse. Lots of people were out walking, despite the bitingly cold wind.
This little village is delightful, I could easily live here. If it were on the coast of Australia, the developers would have high rise buildings all along the sea front. As it it, there is only one taller building than the one we are in, it is twelve stories high. Admittedly, the North Sea is somewhat colder than our sea, but it's still lovely here.
We had a leisurely lunch, and by the time we had finished, the clouds had rolled in, the sun had disappeared, and the weather was looking quite grey. A relaxing afternoon was called for, so we simply sat around reading, and sharing our photos with each other.
Aysha helped prepare the dinner, roast chicken, with pavlova for dessert.
We will be sorry to leave tomorrow, but we must press on to GAY PAREE!!!!
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