23 June 2015 - London Transport Museum, Covent Garden and more

We thought we would try to start early with an excursion then school rather than a walk, shop, school, excursion type of day.  Our start was later than hoped but the kids and I eventually headed out.  We must have trained them well as they all wanted to walk to Paddington along the canal instead of hopping on the Tube at our local station.  I am always up for a walk so readily agreed.  Luke's main motivation is always to check out the bird life on the canal and I can't blame him.  It is lovely keeping an eye on wildlife families and seeing them grow.

Luke and coot chick chatting

 As we were travelling into Covent Garden which really was a long walk away, we decided to take the Tube from Paddington.  Once we emerged from the underground having chosen the 193 step option instead of the lift, we could hear cheering and whooping.  Curious, we went to have a look.  A street performer was just revving up his audience and we sat down, ate our morning tea and watched his act.  A juggling act with machetes and with a bed of nails act to follow.  He was a talented crowd drawer and very entertaining albeit a little risque from time to time.  Luke was enthralled and the rest of us really enjoyed his performance, too. 

Covent Garden Bye-Laws

Remember these Bye Laws by decree of King George...

Street Theatre, Covent Garden

Bed of nails act

 Our goal was the London Transport Museum.  This is one museum we did have to pay for, 16 pounds for adults, kids free but from my recollection, it was worth paying for.  The kids did enjoy the museum, but Luke enjoyed it the most.  There are lots of hands on activities and play areas with dress ups so younger kids would love it.  It is well done and lots of fun facts and points of interest. 

London Transport Museum

Well there you go...

 I was particularly interested in the underground which is still evolving and changing.  During the war it was used as a shelter for mostly women and children who had to either reserve a place or buy a casual place in the accommodation provided which included beds, chemical toilets and canteens.  Quite an operation.  The opening up of outer London and accessibility to London from outer regions was made possible by public transport with the green belts which we still love today as part of the planning.  We have remarked several times on the vast green areas and parks set aside in the planning of this city which are enjoyed and well utilised by many.

Original Tube Map

One of the presentations I enjoyed the most was about the London Transport workers who were really a respected bunch of workers in days gone by.  Mobile canteens were driven to meet the hard workers and they were really well catered for.  No longer the case, I believe.

Driving a bus...

Love the bowler hat and briefcase

Plenty of climbing on board...

In the driver's seat again

 After coaxing Luke to finally leave the museum, we walked to Trafalgar Square at Tim's request so he could climb on the lions.  Buskers were out in force today with BMX antics, a Scottish Bagpiper and a contortionist who leaped through a ring of fire!

As Tim said: Did it live up to my Great Expectations?!

Tim on lion in Trafalgar Square

Luke's newest trick!

 Seizing the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery whilst we were so close, I suggested that the big kids might like to head home (which they did) while Luke and I went to the gallery.  Unfortunately, the industrial action which precluded us from visiting various exhibits last time we were there, has continued and apart from being able to see some Dutch Masters, the exhibits that I really wanted to see were closed off again.  Fortunately, we do have a bit more time here so we'll probably get to see the Monets and other Impressionists before we leave London.

Rubens - Minerva and Mercury

Rubens - Disciples hauling in fish

Monopoly board!

Two Yodas?!

Charing Cross underground art work - lovely depicting all about Trafalgar Square

Tired out completely, we headed home on the Tube via Sainsbury's for our groceries.  We are all feeling really zonked tonight - all except Luke, that is!! C'est la vie!