LONDON HOSTEL TRIP

On a very blustery weekend in March some of the Bogtrotters decided to forgo the joys of the countryside and muddy fields to go Youth Hostelling at St. Paul's Youth hostel.















It is in the middle on this photo,
taken from the steps of St. Paul's.















A View from St. Paul's Catherdral

8 of us met up at the hostel, which is only roughly 100 yds from the Catherdral. As often usual several of us decided we wanted to do different things so split up, arranging to meet up for a meal later on. 4 of us opted to visit the Globe Theatre where we enjoyed the tour and were unexpectly treated to some of the dress rehersal for the forthcoming Romeo and Juliet and we then went on to visit St. Pauls (hence the view).

The Globe Theatre at night
London has improved considerably over the years and was a pleasantly clean and enjoyable place to visit. Some of us encountered the wonders of crossing the Millenium bridge half a dozen times over the weekend - and no it no longer wobbles.

St. Paul's from the Millenium Bridge

Three of the ladies were very new to the club. One of them we met on one of our trips to France last year! I don't think some of them knew what to expect, but comments were made that we weren't too posh, which was a fear, or words to that effect! After an "exciting walk" in the evening to find our eating house which was easier to find on the map than on foot, due to unforseen byways and gates, we all enjoyed an excellent Thai meal complete with wine and beer, and home via that bridge again!

View of Canary Wharf from the river boat
Sunday after a typical huge hostel breakfast, again some of decided to visit Canary Whalf and sample the joys of a river bus - we can recommend it £5 one way or £12.50 all day. We then found our way to a free Gospel Music concert for a while and, after wrapping ourselves up against the rain to cross over Hungerford bridge this time, the rain stopped and the sun came out again. Time for a quick drink and sausage and mash in a nearby pub and even time for a quick visit the National Portrait Gallery before making our way home. A diffferent sort of active weekend (even if we didn't walk too many miles) with good food and company at YHA pricesrather than the usual sort of London ones!