Day 23 Catch Up / Ice Skating

One of our slowest starts so far. We had arranged to meet Paul, Tracey, Aliesha & Brianna at Covent Gardens Train Station by 12.00pm. We arrived just before 12.00 and proceeded to one of the 3 lifts. Ahead were a mass of people waiting to go up and I decided for the stairs (193 in a spiral ) and left Katie and Sharon waiting. Powered pass everyone to lots of sucking air behind me, moans, people stopping having a break a kids running in different directions. Starting to get dizzy now and finally the top. Turned a corner to be greeted with even more steps. Finally made it to the top out through the gate to be tapped on the shoulder by a very cold Paul. Tracey, Aliesha & Brianna didn't seem to cold. Paul still hasn't adjusted to England Winters even after 11 years. A few minutes later Katie & Sharon arrive sucking in air, Paul thought they were putting it on because I told them they were catching the lift. They didn't want to wait with the masses either.

We decided to grab a coffee and wait for Jason to meet us. Passed a scary living statue painted gold who appeared to be suspended in mid air. After a bit of thought worked out how he was doing it and went around the corner in Covent Gardens. Aware of the pricey tourist traps I checked the prices and coffee seemed to be priced OK. Katie and I received our cappuccino's and ripped off again there must of been an inch of coffee in a large cup and the rest just foam. Jason arrived and we decided to find somewhere for lunch. Jason mentioned a pub he could not find and Brianna made a executive decision to go to Nando's. I wasn't sure about this, much prefer a pub but off we went. It wasn't far and in we enter. Nice reception area but the main dining area was down a spiral step. Wow how good is this place nothing like in Perth. It had a large table the 8 of us fitted and plenty of variety in food. The place was extremely clean and well organised service and great food. Tried a Portuguese beer not bad but will never beat the Germans. After lunch we all head for the Covent Garden Markets. I lasted about 15mins before Paul agreed to find a pub. Found a pub in the markets and headed in. Down more steps into a nice quaint English pub. A little busy but enough room to down a couple of brews with Paul & Jason. Paul was reserved only one cider but by the time we left Jason was on his 3rd.

After everyone else met up with us again at the pub and a few drinks it was time to part ways with Tracey, Paul, Aliesha & Brianna. The 4 of us headed for another coffee before heading off for our 1 hour of Ice Skating in front of Somerset House.

We were booked in at 5.30pm and started to get ready at 5.15pm. We have seen a few ice skating rings on our current travels but these are the most magical. The area is amazing Somerset house is nicely lit up with Xmas trees ablaze. Now we are all booted up and raring to go. We finally hit the ice. It took me 40mins before I finally did hit the ice but a very nice Ice marshall young lady assisted me to my feet. I haven't ice skated for 25 years so one tumble in an hour I think was acceptable. In the mean time Jason & Katie are doing well a bit wobbly but never tumbled. Sharon was still hanging on to the rail after 45mins while most of the first timers had their legs and were off. I was surprised by the lack of experience skaters there was. I think when you go to warmer countries like Australia they are better skaters. Sharon finally leaves the rail holding onto Katie's hand. After a hour and sore feet and shines we head off for dinner to a Mexican Restaurant called Wahacca.

Once again nice service and filling food we talked about what to do the next day. I mention hiring a car and driving on Monday to Stonehenge and Bath. On New Years eve we can head off to Cotswold's. Everyone agrees and once back at the apartment we book a car for the next day to be picked up from Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.