Travel to London - Days 1 and 2

The plane fight was a grinder 27 hours all up, separated into 3 legs - Bris to Brunei, Brunei to Dubai and Dubai to London.

Christine, Connor and Caitlin caught up on some reading during the four hour stop over in Brunei before flying off to Dubai.

During the trip, Connor managed to break (FREEZE!, it was fixed - Connor) 4 in flight entertainment systems, 1 set of headphones and lose a sock. The children were delighted at the movie choices, such as Hellboy 2, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2, Ghost Town, Wall-E, Chihuahua and The Family Holiday. We managed to catch a few hours sleep but Dad was still rubbing his eyes all through today.

When we arrived in London, Heathrow we were grateful to finally get to spend some decent time with our feet on the ground and our heads not in the clouds. Ben was there waiting for us at the airport with his big camera glued to his face. We caught the Tube to Canada Waters and caught the 199 bus to Yeoman street. After a brief orientation we walked to the opposite side of the block. Our home for 6 nights, a 3 story thin but cosy modern house.

With encouragement from Ben we went to see the Royal Observatory, Greenwich to see the precise time. All time across the world is based on the time measured here. This ball rises to the top of the pole then drops at 1.00 PM.

This picture introduces Winston, the Wood's Wonderful Winter Walkabout mascot sitting on the Prime Meridian.

Christine does the tourist thing.

We then beat Lisa to the Bus stop in Yeoman street and took some great photos of her (Excitement, amazement and disbelief at Caitlin's height). We then had a quick tour of the Durston's home away from home and then tried to talk back at our English home but the jet lag caught up with us and had to have a siesta. Ben and Lisa cooked Chili Con Carne for Dinner and then went out for Caitlin's surprise, Santa Photo at Harrods.

Harrods Santa Photos have been fully booked out long before we even thought about Santa photos in London but Ben and Lisa (Again) had friends in the right places and managed to secure some tickets.

It was the Best Santa Photo ever! Winston hangs out with the Harrod's bears.

We then tubed our way home and shopped at Tesco (one stop, convenience shop) for food and other necessities. It was a great start to the holiday. 1 down still 35 to go.