Ahh, Paris! Grubby, smelly, and full of dog turds on the streets. At least there was Les Invilades. Rae was very taken with the suites of armour, and the new de Gaul display. The city itself is very expensive, and in the public areas you very quickly learn to answer 'non' when asked if you speak English. There are what seems like hundreds of femals of indeterminate eastern european origin who approach anyone who looks English wanting you to read their sad tale on the grubby bit of paper. The French seem very security consious at the moment, police and armed troops at most sites. Sirens at all hours, as Alphonse rushes down to the patiserie to get their dinner. One of the first things that struck me was the difference between the security announcements. Britain; Any unattended baggage may be removed and possibly destroyed! France; Any unattended baggage will be destroyed! Germany; Unattended baggage? What unattended baggage? The Gypsies stole it!

We have been out of touch for a while so our posts are a bit out of step. York (Yorvik) was brilliant. The city walls are a bit dodgy, and the mout could do with a clean up. Very chilly but dry.

After York we returned to London for a couple of days and then off the Paris and Berlin.

Vercovicium

Those of you who are avid film goers may recognise this tree! It is the "Oak tree in Sherwood forest" that Kevin Costner and friend were sitting in during the opening scenes of Robin Hood prince of thieves. In reality it is a Sycamore tree very near Housesteads on the Wall. The Joke is not lost on the locals.

Ediburgh

Well we made it to Edingurgh safely, the hotel is excellent. The day after our arrival we went down to Holyrood palace, and then up to the Castle. As we crossed the car park it started to snow! Here is Rae almost beside herself with excitment, you can make out the snow flakes on her jacket and of course one landed on the camera lens. Very cold, but we had a great time.

We have been busy over the last few days. We have visited the British museum, and much more interestingly the Museum of London. The big surprise for me was the samll size of the Battersea sheild. Yesterday we went down to Greenwich. I'll posty a photo later.

Day two, After a good night's rest we set off for the 'Tower' meeting Hannah and James at Tower Hill station. After a brief side trip to Spitlefield markets, and a stop for lunch, we arrived. Later while queuing to see the crown Jewels the magic hour of three o'clock arrived, and the temperature once again dropped to near freezing. The sun seems to go down at around half four, and by six it is pitch black. We have a predicted -4 due for tonight, at least the sun had been shining.

London

We have arrived in London after a good flight, not too badly jet lagged.
Day one, we went into London and had a wander around Borough markets, and along the Thames. Here are the girls outside the Globe. Far too much to see, and so little time. Later in the day we went to Hyde park and had a look at the (German) Christmas market. Around three thirty in the afternoon the temperature started to drop from the dizzy height of 5 degrees to something very bleak.