DAY 54 FRIDAY MAY18 ST PAUL'S

We filled up with our last big breakfast at Rachel's B&B and recommend it highly.  She had people from Avoca Beach there when we arrived and another couple from Macmasters Beach when we left.  Did we tell you that we met two ladies from Copacabana Beach on the Big Bus?  That just about covers the lower Central Coast beaches.  We caught a bus from the corner of the street all the way to St Paul's Cathedral. Like most of the London sights, they look twice as big when you stand next to them and we could not fit it in our camera. We had a sneak peek inside and it looked very impressive but York Minster was even more so.  We decided to save the 14 pound entry fee and head down to the crypt to see all the tombstones.  Winston churchill was featured on the floor.  Bought some presents at the shop and had morning tea then decided we had seen St Paul's.  Nearly forgot the statue of John Wesley hidden away in the garden. Can someone please explain how he managed to be given that privilege?  Nearby we read the story of Temple Bar, the only remaining original gate into old London.  For such a mighty heavy object it has been moved around a lot over its history.  We set off for Moorgate Station and in spite of consulting 3 street maps and two train plans we soon found ourselves on a junction of 6 streets none of which were to be found on any of our maps.  Should have bought a Tom Tom.  So, consulted compass on wrist, headed north and in 3 minutes were on Moorgate St walking towards a huge STATION sign.  Went down many steps to a deserted platform and waited 16 minutes for our train which is a very long time by London standards but not for us Woy Woy travellers.  Arrived at Essex Road Station and decided to avoid the lift which the only other passenger took.  The stairs turned out to be circular around the very small lift well and we climbed an estimated 120 continuous steps to emerge into the fresh air.  Should have taken the lift. Went to REAL RUSSIA our Trans-Siberian agent, and checked that our plans to secure Mongolian Visas in Vienna were OK.  Good service as usual there, so no problem. Got to King's Cross Station with hours to spare so explored St Pancras and Eurostar ticket office. All very crowded but we now know where to go on May 25 on our way to Amsterdam.  Cashed in our Oyster cards and waited in the First Class lounge with all the suits.  Checked out Facebook on the free wifi. Writing this on the 16.30pm train to Edinburgh while consuming free food and drinks in comfortable armchairs.  Should be "home" by 7pm.  Booked tickets return to London at York Station on the way home.  Now ready to travel to and from the bike tour.

WE APPEAR TO BE FOLLOWING IN JOHN WESLEY'S FOOTSTEPS

TEMPLE BAR

AS MUCH AS WOULD FIT IN THE FRAME OF ST PAUL'S

NOT REALLY OUR HERO

THE GREAT SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP?

THIS IS HOW YOU SAY FAREWELL AT ST PANCRAS

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