Day 5, Picadilly Circus, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden

Today was for shopping and Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden are all shopping havens. First up was Carnaby street with Frosty the Snowman massive inflatables nicknamed 'Mr Blobby' by mum. Ben was giving me some handy tips on photography as the girls perused the shops. I purchased some presents for kids at school (Soccer stuff) and things for me on the side.

Next on the list is Hamely's, the number 1 toy shop in the world. Six levels of every toy you can imagine filled and employees demonstrating them all and urging you to buy - it was actually an exciting atmosphere and Connor thought it would be one of the best jobs in the world - getting paid to play with cool toys. The crowds were enormous so we started on Level 5, the little boy level (action figures galore) and the royal cafe (overpriced). We walked down to level 4 - the Robotics section - remote control cars, helicopters, planes, bikes, trains, UFOs, Robosapiens and everything else you can think of. Level 3 - simply signed "Girls" was the most pink, girly section I have ever seen. Level 2, Board Games, and then Level 1 full of fluffy toys. Below ground level was the interactive toys (Lego and electronic games).

After much drooling by the children, where very little was bought, we were off to Piccadilly Circus where advertising is quickly taking over. The massive electronic advertising on the side of a building has featured in many movies but the fountain of Heros (roman god of love) is blocked up by advertising. Must be under repair.

Leicester Square was next, only a short walk away where all of the big movie premiers take place and where you buy cheap theatre tickets. Caitlin was very keen to get some "Wicked" tickets but had to say no... just can't fit everything in. It was a party atmosphere.

It was approaching lunch so we walked through China Town where some very interesting animals hung ready to eat in the windows. Winston decided on a very nice Chinese restaurant called the Golden Dragon for a sumptuous lunch of Prawn Toast, Spring Rolls, Honey Barbecued Pork, King Prawn Fried Rice, Sweet and Sour Pork and Beef in Black Bean Sauce. Dad and Ben enjoyed a few beers. Winston was VERY popular with the staff and was thoroughly spoilt.

On our way to Covent Garden (remember where Eliza Doolittle sang outside the Opera House in the opening scenes of the movie My Fair Lady?), we were captivated by some street performers. Caitlin is particularly captivated - in this case - actually captured!

It was getting dark, it was about 3.30 PM after all, but Covent Garden was worth the visit. We went to the Transport Museum Shop, looked through Markets, Paper Chase (an expensive card and paper shop) and stocked up on some Xmas presents. Caitlin even had her fortune told - she would have two children and no problems with her career and and money apparently - I could have told her the last part. Dad is shown here leaning on one of the old Opera House columns used in the film, imagining Audrey singing: "All I want is a home somewhere..."

We walked up The Strand past Queensland House towards Australia House but jumped on the tube to get to Oxford Street for some shopping at Primark.

The tube is very efficient, we never wait more than a few minutes ever and if one train is too crowded, another comes along almost straight away. Being a long way underground though, means many very steep escalator rides where, if you don't stand to the right, you risk being trampled.
Notice the large Hamley's Toy Store bag... maybe more was purchased than Mum let on... Hmmmmmmmmm!?

Along the way, on the corner of Park Lane (another Monopoly icon), we saw Marble Arch, originally the gate to Buckingham Palace but moved here when the palace was extended... seems strange they never put it back. There is a one bedroom apartment in there somewhere!

While the boys wandered about looking at food and books, Caitlin had a wonderful time with Mum and Lisa buying several outfits complete with shoes for less than sixty pounds - she looked like the cat that had swallowed the canary.

Finally, it was off home via the Tesco supermarket a few minutes walk from the Townhouse to get some food for dinner and much needed supplies to go with the olives and cheese Dad and Ben had bought from the Burough Markets the day before. It was a long day but we were all happy and loving every moment here in the land of 'Bangers and Mash' (which we have not had).

The Woods