Arrived in London

We've arrived in London. The weather was rainy when we landed, and over the next couple hours as we drove to our flat, the rain really poured down. Here's a view of the Big Ben tower in the rain.

Once we got settled, though, the rain let up a bit. We are staying in Wapping, in East London. Wapping used to be an industrial area on the banks of the Thames; then it became a run-down slum, and now it's becoming gentrified.

The buildings are a mix of old warehouses and docks along with new structures built to mimic them in style.

The names of the streets and signs on the building evoke the former industrial heritage of the neighborhood.

Jet-lagged, we wandered out in the streets to meet our son.

Here he is with his proud Dad above the banks of the Thames.

We were also searching for a meal. As an historical working class neighborhood, Wapping is home to several well-known pubs.

We found The Prospect of Whitby, an historical pub right on the river, which dates from the 16th century.

Our son and I placed the order at the bar. Isn't he gracious?  How many young men of 23 accompany their moms up to the bar? (and how many moms are comfortably at home in said bars?)

We had a delicious pub meal. I had soup; our son had steak-and-ale-pie, and [The Man I Love] had a delicious Moroccan-style salad with grilled chicken, couscous and spiced carrots.

We stumbled back through the streets, picking up coffee and milk for tomorrow. And now we are ready to fall into a deep, jet-lagged sleep. Talk to you all later.