Over a week ago I found myself travelling to the Imperial War Museum in London. As we strolled along the streets in the baking heat, we walked past Commander William Bligh’s house, who was commander of the famous ship ‘Bounty’.

Before we ventured into the museum we decided to eat our lunch on a bench outside in the shade. I’ve visited the museum at least once before, the last time nineteen years ago with my father, on a great day out. So as we finished up our lunch and strolled through the doors I was looking forward to my return, this time accompanied by my wonderful girlfriend.

Two backpack security checks later and we entered the main hall, and I could easily identify multiple military vehicles around us. Gazing at the vehicles or on their way through to different sections were people of many different nationalities, and of course a popular London destination for UK school groups.

I think in the UK we tend to take places such as the Imperial War Museum for granted. It is not only incredible that we have these museums not only providing this access, but in their own rights they have become historical locations themselves. Plus currently many museums in the UK are free entry, which is truly fantastic.

Naturally there is a strong focus on World War 1 and 2 at the museum, and as I walked around the detailed displays I thought back to family who participated, or lived with the consequences, plus the legacy my parents lived through and my school and adult years studying the periods in history.

I definitely won’t be waiting another nineteen years to venture back, especially as we didn’t see everything this time around. As we strolled outside into the freakish heat of a late September, there was much to discuss and think back upon, but being London, another destination awaited and we headed off to the nearest tube station.

Below is a gallery of photos taken at the Imperial War Museum:

Last week my better half and I visited Covent Garden in London. We’ve been there many times before and around nine years ago would be there on many a Sunday afternoon, enjoying performances, a drink or a dessert at Henry’s which depending on your requirement is a bar, café or restaurant, but the one thing it definitely is, is stylish.

Covent Garden is easily accessible and is a short walk from a few tube stations, though it does have its own. This time around we had brought our own lunch with us, and enjoyed it in the quiet grounds of a church at Covent Garden that brought a welcomed shade.

Afterwards we watched Spikey Will amuse and amaze with a street performance. Over the years we’ve enjoyed good music and other street performances at Covent Garden. Always an enjoyable destination for an hour or so.

A quick tour around the shops, only to be disappointed that one of our old favourites has since departed the square. Back out into the blazing hot heat and instead of using its tube station, we strolled through the London streets to another tube station, window shopping along the way and then onto our next destination.

Steve Jobs

An innovator not only often turning science fiction into reality, but did it in style and changed the lives of so many, not just yesterday and today, but moving forward into tomorrow. He shined the light leading the way. Thank you.

1955 – 2011

We opted not to have the breakfast’s at our hotel. We wanted to eat elsewhere and it is all too easy to pop into a Starbucks, a Café Nero etc, which can be found along streets in many cities around the world, all offering the same non-local experience, but we prefer a local experience. So on the second morning we went in search of the Shepherdess Café down City Road, not too far from our hotel.

I had researched greasy spoons before heading towards London and the Shepherdess Café was what we were looking for. Our hotel was on City Road also and as we strolled along it was already turning into a freakish hot day for late September.

The café was easy to find and its coolness compared to the heat outside was welcomed. We sat down and a waitress came and asked us what we wanted to drink, which on this occasion was tea. In the meantime we browsed the menu, which was fairly comprehensive. We are vegetarians, so full English breakfasts were not for us, so instead we ordered the mushrooms on toast, with an extra slice of toast each when she returned with the mugs of tea.

The breakfast arrived quickly and they also kindly gave us a small portion of chips each, which complimented the delicious breakfast. The café was a relaxed environment and we chatted whilst enjoying the breakfast. When I visited the counter to pay on leaving, I couldn’t help but see the row of photographs of British celebrities who have visited lining the wall.

The cost of breakfast was cheaper than our hotel’s and soon we were back out in the sun heading onto our next destination. The nearest tube station being ‘Old Street’ not too far away.

We were very glad we took the time to visit the Shepherdess Café.