16 Oct. - London

 Image: The beautiful 'Still Water' by Nic Fidian-Green, in Hyde Park at Marble Arch

An early start sees us return the van, become 'Oyster' savvy, negotiate the Underground + arrive, also early, at our Bayswater apartment ... meaning time to pass in unplanned local wanderings!

Hyde Park, just across Bayswater Road, beckons with green swards + miles of criss-crossing paths under trees shedding their autumnal leaves.

An obvious destination, never on our intended schedule, is Buckingham Palace, which we reach via the Albert Memorial + Hall, plus Wellington Arch.

London seems mid-way through a program of re-gilding, so all the statues, crests + fence pike finials shine bright + golden in the brief patches of sunlight.

On returning to Bayswater, our small room is still luxury indeed after four weeks of living 'on the road'!

Notes: Bayswater was a most satisfactory base for our week in London. Close to two Underground lines, shops, pubs, Hyde Park and the museums district, plus just a short trip to either the Thames or city centre. Our small apartment was clean, quiet, well furnished and we were even able to open the window for fresh, cool air or to sticky-beak at the locals.