Today we set off to walk from Earls Court to Shepherds Bush, to the huge Westfield shopping mall that was under construction when we were here last in 2008. It's huge, and we believe the largest Westfield complex anywhere. All of the big fashion houses are there, and lots more. Found an O2 store where we bought SIM cards for our phones. We now have the UK mobile numbers 07548 320429 or Warren and 07548 323048 for Sue. Wandered the shops, then settled in for a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Didn't really need to to this to get free WiFi, as the entire complex has it. Sent off a few emails and updated our Blog while sitting there.
Waterhouse Square
Then we had a mission — we had decided to join English Heritage while we were here, so went to the head office in Waterhouse Square, just near the Chancery Lane tube station. It just happens to be in an English Heritage building, where Charles Dickens once had rooms! Met this lovely person, Joan, who welcomed us warmly, but had to let us know that she didn't handle memberships from there — but she did point us to James at the Jewel Tower, the nearest English Heritage site where we could sign up. James said he would wait for us with a welcoming cup of coffee — an offer too good to refuse. So, taking our leave from Joan, we wended our way by tube to Westminster Station, and then walked the short distance to the Jewel Tower, where James made us feel no less welcome. After filling out the forms, over a lovely cup of coffee, we went to wander about the Jewel Tower while James finished off the paperwork. When we finally came down, all was ready, and we got our membership paraphernalia and took out leave. All in all, a very congenial time. The Jewel Tower (dating from about 1365), by the way, is one of the few remaining parts of the original Palace of Westminster, as most of the Palace was destroyed by fire in 1834. It's not such a well-known attraction — the whole of the Westminster area was crowded with tourists, but we had time and space to wander the Jewel Tower in peace.
The Jewel Tower
Susie in Jewel Tower
Warren's a bit footsore. Checked out his sneakers and found that the heel padding in the left shoe has given up the ghost. Went into a chemist and bought a pair of heel inserts which should make the shoes a little more comfortable. When you plan on walking for two years, you had better take care of those feet!
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