Rhonda Bracey: At Random

Our wanderings today included the iconic Liberty of London (around the corner was Carnaby St, so famous in the 1960s and 70s but a shadow of its former self now) and the Tower of London. We went everywhere via the Tube, which is very easy to navigate, provided you’re able-bodied. (I highly recommend a Visitor Oyster card – we had one each loaded with 30 pounds of travel, and most of us used just over 20 pounds in the 4 full days we were in London. They don’t expire so you can pass them on to someone else to use.)

Liberty of London is full of high-end fashion and their own iconic fabrics, which many of our group loved. But they’re not for me as they are quite flimsy lawns and silks.

The Tower of London was really interesting. We went on one of the Yeoman-led tours and learned a lot of its history. I decided not to see the Crown Jewels as I saw them the last time I was in London some 40 years ago and I doubt they’ve changed much. I was far more interested in the ravens, and happened to ask questions of a Yeowoman, who happened to be one of the people trained in falconry to handle the ravens!! How lucky was that!

Feeding ‘Jubilee’ a treat (water cracker)

But my feet were killing me after a full day walking yesterday and today on uneven pavement, up and down interminable stairs, etc. I had a massive blister on the ball of my right foot and my left was screaming in pain from a pinky toe that tucks itself under the next one and causes a lot of pain if I wear closed shoes.