We have now come to the time in our trip where time, which was stretched out leisurely, is now being spooled in tight with less than two weeks till we leave for France. Plane ticket to France booked: check. All hotel accommondation booked: check. Now just all the goodbyes, a couple of big boxes in the post and we're on our way back home via France (Lyon, Avignon, Carcassone, and a little town on the beach the name of which I still can not spell), Spain (Barcelona then Madrid) and Hong Kong. Last weekend we went along to the May "bumps", a series of rowing races, the rules of which are still not at all clear to us, even after Pimms and numerous explantations. Rules and a very blustery day aside, it was a chance to see how beautiful the banks of the river Cam are further out of the city centre. Barry and Carole Gibson (old family firends of B's) were in town for the afternoon and evening and we all went out to dinner. We'd had a very yummy dinner cooked by them the weekend before when we dropped by to see them at the little village of East Bergholt in Suffolk, after spending time at the ancient ruins of Framlingham Castle. The boys tried their hands at jousting and got involved in a group re-enactment of the Battle of Hasting. Sean is now a very enthusiastic knight!

Sean gets some tips on sword strategy

Getting ready for battle

Finn readys his horse for jousting

Can he get his lance through the two quoits?

We've been to London to see the Queen (well at least some boats anyhow)



In front of one of the Tower's soldiers



We are all still recovering from last weekend in London. We threw our bags together and made a frantic dash by bike to the station to make it on the express to London with a couple of seconds to spare! First stop the Tower of London - an amazing collection of jewels, weapons, stairs and guys in funny costumes. Then it was on to the underground maze of the tube where, well directed by B, we headed out to Hampton Court Palace, the abode of the boys' favourite king, Henry the Eighth. We found his digs very impressive. Outside in the gardens behind the place, Jubilee celebrations were well underway. Bunting everywhere, bands playing, people sprawled around on the grass, enjoying the occassional sunshine (at least it wasn't raining!)

Kings at the head of Henry the Eight's banqueting table

   

After Hampton Court Palace we headed off to our friends' home in Richmond and relaxed for the evening. Jenny had prepared spaghetti and meatballs which was a yummy tonic after sub-par takeway all day. After dinner we took a stroll around the neighbourhood. We didn't make it as far as the enormous Richmond Park but got a great view across London from a lovely park a few streets away. Richmond is a great neighbourhood and Jenny and John have settled into life in London. The kids had fun playing with their eldest boy Cameron and Finn chatting away non-stop to each other.

Next post: the paegant although it wasn't that much fun for the kids - a rainy river with lots of boats on it, weather getting worse by the minute. Still, cool to be part of history!