London

We returned the car and caught the train to our apartment in Clerkenwell. 

St James' Gate

We then found the local Natwest branch to get our money transferred. 

Walked to St Pauls, ate some sushi by The Thames, 

walked past the growing queue at The Globe before returning home to have some pho at a local restaurant.

It's Roger and Esther!

Eva and I journeyed around to Roger's (on foot!) for dinner. A balloon passed over whilst Roger was preparing the meal.  

A very nice meal of salmon, potatoes and salad, washed down with a frisky Pinot Grigio. 

We watched France end Iceland's dream of Euro success. And then Esther and the children arrived!

Leo, nearly 11, was a baby when Eva last visited. They both commented on how much each other had changed. 

Hedy made sure that she was noticed by reciting stories, displaying her artwork and singing a song about winning at all costs. (Something the English football team could have taken onboard.)

Apart from letting her hair grow, Esther hadn't changed a bit (and I had to stop Eva from scratching her eyes out as a consequence.)

Despite having not seen them for over ten years, it was like it was only yesterday.

Duck Races on the River Yare

Roger returned on Sunday to take us to watch the duck race that was to be held as part of the festivities.

Unfortunately, Roger wasn't sure of the location; some punter in a pub said it started at the Ribs of Beef, so we traipsed upstream a bit, only to find that the duck race to be held here was a month away. Obviously, duck races are a popular event. 

We had to settle for a drink at the pub. 

Not ducks and not racing

A golden jackal, consolation drink.

Fireworks

Roger arrived and we went around the corner to The Bengal Clipper for a feast of Indian. It was then on to the fireworks, part of the Lord Mayors Festival that had been arranged to coincide with our visit.

Seven minutes of sound and light. Great fun.

Norwich Castle

There's a dual carriageway to Norwich. Previously (until 18 months ago) it was single lane only and you and others had the joy of sitting behind a tractor while it journeyed from field to field.

Things haven't changed much in the 15 years since I was last here. The laundromat on Earlham Road has gone and the shop on St Giles that used to sell onion bahjis and Mars bubble bars has ceased to do so.

There are a number of new eating places, which would have raised the standard of food on offer. But the shops and market are still the same. 

The Forum (library, BBC studios and cafes) has been completed and Norwich Castle is open to the public. These previous two buildings were incomplete/closed in 2000.

The presentation in the castle was underwhelming, with several display cases empty due to storm damage.

The highlight of the visit to the castle was being able to catch glimpses of The Rattler, a play in story and song that was being performed for and with the assistance of some young children. What they made of the creature God only knows. Nightmare material for sure.

Castle Muxloe

This ruined castle on the outskirts of Leicester is where the Ducks of England fly home to roost. There was duck poo everywhere. Which might explain why Eva and I were the only ones at the place.

One of the hidden gems of our trip; which should have remained so.

The highlight of our stay at the Castle Hotel was watching Wales beat Belgium.

Chatsworth House

Well, Eva reckons that that is the third time we've been through the place. I can't recall either visit nor will I remember this one. Lots of dark paintings, marble sculptures and some large pieces of crystal au natural. 

There were several references to The Grand Tour that the young aristocracy made and this explains why these places are full of the crap they have. 

Fortunately, we have only succumbed to the purchase of a tea towel. Although Eva has ducked back into the shop up here at The Stables, which has been converted into a restaurant, cafeteria and shop.