Birdsong's Trip to the UK

Boat Ride on the Thames River

In line at the Eye, the ticket taker had broken English. She was trying to explain the discount for Larry (handicapped) and was saying I was entitled to a discount also, as I was the "carrier." Later George looked at the ticket and it said "carer." Larry and I got in free there, and also at Westminster.

After the Eye, we had a beer and then took a Thames River boat tour. Jumped back on the bus to take the rest of the tour around the city. Then we walked back to Paddington, which had lots of restaurants. Had a drink at the Charles Dickens pub, then went next door to a Lebanese restaurant, Levantine, for wine and appetizers. (Too expensive for dinner!)

Across the street we had Indian food at Mughal's Indian. Best Indian we have ever had! But the waiter was very hostile and rude. We ordered our dishes, and he said, "No, no! You must order more - minimum required." He appeared miffed to have to wait on us.

Larry carried his back-pack everywhere. We had written our names on all our black luggage in Day-Glo orange lettering both to help identify it easily for baggage claim, and to deter theft. Peg and George noticed that some letters began to come loose from Larry's back-pack. It started out BIRDSONG; soon was B D O N G. Then B D O G. Next day, B

Thursday, Oct. 6 - London, Wellcome Trust

After breakfast we were all in Peg and George's room, trying to decide what to do on our last London day. I suggested we visit the Wellcome Trust, as I thought they had part of Uncle Henry's collection on history of medicine there. I saw the amazing History of Medicine exhibit with my family in 1952.

Peg was initially reluctant, because she had written and they weren't too "wellcoming." But she agreed, and made the call. When she said, "This is Peggy Spatz" they knew exactly who she was. They said they no longer had any of the collection there, but said they would pull some things together and for us to come over. We took a taxi to Euston Road.

The Wellcome Trust is in a huge new glass building next door to the old building we, the McWood family, toured in 1952. The older building is being remodeled and was draped in plastic.

They did pull together some things for us to see: letters from Uncle Henry's belongings. There was a letter from Grandma (his niece) from 1906 describing her experience in the San Francisco earthquake and fire, and a telegram saying everyone was okay. The Trust staff said they would make copies.

Uncle Henry's collection is now displayed at the Science Museum on Exhibition Road, and there was a special display at the British Museum. Larry and I determined we must see them on our return trip to London.

The Wellcome Trust staff seemed quite impressed and nervous to have us there, as we are relatives of Sir Henry Wellcome.

We spent the remainder of the day at The Tower of London. Saw the Crown Jewels. So much history! We ate lunch and dinner across the street at The Liberty Bounds at Trinity Square. Good pub food! Had the yummiest lamb burger - We'll be making them at home.

Back to the hotel via The Tube. We had to walk and walk and climb stairs underground to get from one line to another. Drinks again at The Swan Pub, then wine in the room.

On train from London to Edinburgh