London Calling

I’m off to the big smoke for the weekend with a shopping list for those shops that the easiest or only one is in London … I also plan a bit of culture. The shops I pretty much know where I want to go … the museums are a bit harder.

I’m debating on the V&A as its ages since I’ve been there, or do I go for The British Museum (seeing as a shop I was planning to go to is nearly opposite it!). Museum of London is also on the books, if only because is a short walk from my overnight stop of St Paul’s YH (where groups aren’t welcome!!!) my last time there was as a service flash Guide with the Brownies.

I’ve stayed at St Paul’s before, and the lack of huge groups in a city YH is lovely… no hunting for tables ‘cos you’ve landed up joining the breakfast queue a minute after a huge group! The most you tend to get is 6 in a group so a pretty stress free inclusive breakkie. I seem to remember its not too bad a breakkie at that. Located between St Paul’s and Blackfriars Tube Stations it also hooked up to the LT network well.

The other dilemma is where to eat …. Do I head into Chinatown, or try takeout closer? I was umming on the Wonky eye (sorry Wong Kei) but I think I’ll pass I’ve had Chinese a lot over the last few weeks. So it could be curry calling ….

So 1 National Express fun fare return & overnight @ St Paul’s … all for less than a 1 day travelcard from Fratton on the train (which this weekend have engineering works so no saving on time and would end up on a bus!). I have my Oyster card ready to tap for cheaper travelcards … if I travel that much (and much cheaper fares than cash if I don’t). Mind you it is an early start to get the cheap fare … 7am bus for the 7:30am coach .. but then I can sleep all the way to Victoria (and then use the CHQ members area for a coffee, loo and interest badge shopping & the new Senior Section CD (so some of the readership can see it at Theme Weekend)).

But back to culture …. Where to go? I can’t spend all my time in shops …. Cultural as they may be.