On our last morning in London, Hugh and I went a-walking. There was a tube strike and the traffic was appalling. We saw double-decker bus lines that, in Hugh's words, 'went on as far as the eye could see'. In our very up-market neighbourhood, the bentleys, jags and ferraris were moving at less than our leisurely, hand-holding walking speed. (I hold Hugh and Caity's hand every chance I get). We saw a few stiff upper lips a-quivering and heard exotic horns a-blowing. It was good to be out.
We have been staying in Little Venice, about 15 minutes from Piccadilly Circus on the bus, named for its canal. The canal is small, but perfectly formed. It still carries lots of narrow-boat traffic and is a delight to walk alongside. So we did.
The canal disappears under Edgeware Road for some distance, then surfaces again. We followed it for a time, marvelling at the narrow-boats that people made home, before turning away for our first destination - Abbey Road.
Remember that album cover, with John stepping out on the pedestrian crossing in white suit, Ringo following, then Paul, mysteriously in bare feet, with George last? Hugh photographed me there doing the same. The motorists that stopped seemed to be having a very bad day, dealing with the extra traffic and mugs like me. I crossed the other way for another shot. I spent some time explaining what we were doing and why to Hugh, starting with who the Beatles were.
Then we walked along to the site of the first, but not last, raunchy bit in this blog. Have you ever wondered about the origin of the word 'randy'? Neither have I, but stay with me. It was, apparently, common for pubs in Georgian England to double up as brothels. The Warrington, built in 1857 on Randolph Street, around the corner from us, was one such establishment. And if you were up for a bit, it came to be said that you were 'randy', as in Randolph. Is all this true? Not sure, but Gordon Ramsay's 'gastro-pub' in the Warrington likes the yarn.
We hopped on a slow bus to join the girls and Matt for 'We will rock you' a West End, Ben Elton tribute to Queen.
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