Last day - Notting Hill
Today is our last full day in London. We had previously arranged to meet up with Silje & Rodrigo, friends from Bergen who now live in Notting Hill. Since “our” underground station (Aldgate East) was closed for maintenance, we had to walk to Liverpool St. Station, which conveniently led us by the famous Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe. An amazing architectural monument designed by Norman Foster, raised in the years between 2000 and 2004. It’s a photographic challenge, since its surroundings are so close that it’s hard to get “the full picture” of the building from underneath, and from a distance, other buildings cover parts of the pickle-shaped building. As for the design itself, the architecture is impressive, with details that makes you go “wow”, and custom made “parts” all over.
We had to stop by Hamleys again by the way... I happened to mention my new status as a helicopter pilot to Rune (who’s in Turkey right now...), and of course he needed to get one as well. Well, Rune, you got your wish! :)
In Notting Hill, we walked through the amusing market down Portobello Road (picture on top). It felt like standing in line for the wildest ride in Disneyland, it was absolutely packed with people. A lot of old stuff and food (hopefully not as old) for sale...
We stopped by Silje and Rodrigo’s apartment (check out the garden at the bottom), before having thai food at The Churchill Arms, a flower-packed english pub not far from the underground station at Notting Hill Gate. Great food at bargain prices (£6 for each course). Try it out if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
It’s been a great stay in London, tomorrow we’re checking out and heading for Newcastle where we’ll take the boat back to Stavanger. A relaxing couple of days there before heading home to Bergen.
28.07.07
