London. Wet and Cold

This is a city steeped in history.  Of Empires lost and one of the few remaining ruling monarchs in the modern world. Everywhere you look there's evidence remaining of ruling monarchies and ancient times. Architecture designed to impress and protect mixed with modern and gauche.

The recent wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton appears to have been a reason to spruce up the Palace and grounds. The gold on the Green Park gates is sparkling.  Buckingham Palace gates are similar. And with the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, the city is taking on a refurbishment as if the in-laws are about to visit.

But there's no hiding the long faces, lasse faire attitude and lousy weather that is London.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh, maybe it's just a carry-over of memories past.  But if our stay in Bermondsey is any indication of a wider spread "attitude" then Londoners (in hospitality) need to get their act together for the visiting nations.
We were only there a couple of days, so I'm basing my opinion on very limited interactions around the city.  Enough said.

Highlights:
Catching up with special friends who we don't see often enough. The coincidence of a coinciding timetable was very special; the most amazing Nigerian mini-cab driver who took us back to Heathrow at 5:30am.  His gift of illustrating through expression the opportunities that present themselves in life if we are prepared to put in the time and effort.  A most enlightening man - his children are very lucky indeed.
So onto Roma.....