Mud River- the Thames and London

A quick trip on the euro star and we are in London. Four hours later and I am on the Thames with MAtt Earle. The river is at least 5 times wider than the yarra, violent and muddy. The tides are viscous, churning the bottom mud up to the surface, and creating waves and slop. Makes it all quite difficult to enjoy a paddle. Matt rows out of Thames Rowing Club and is located in Putney next to a bunch of others, much like Princess bridge on the Yarra. The good news is that Sharron and Richard also Live in Putney, and have put us up for the duration of our Stay.

Love London. Seems that it is full of intenerant workers. Everyting is built for a continual stream of new faces, ones that will not be back again. Peole say that the service is bad because they don't have to keep happy people who are only going to be here 12 months. I have found all the waitress/waitors to be charming, although I have had a problem speaking english with them. So far we have viseted a horde of glorius sights including the British museum, and the Bunker. The bunker was exceptionaly good, with an excellent museum to Winston Churchill as well. This was the place that the brits fought back against Hitler from. Small and cramped, yet living with history. Many of the rooms lay preserved as they were 60 years agao, whilst others have been tirelessly reconstructed from photo and image.

Have made extensive use of rowing contacts in the city, and Matt is a legend. Caught up with Rob Steel as well. Matt ahs a new job with Bet fare, whilst Rob is stuck in the old accountancy sell your soul to the devil arangement. Had a beer with Dirt, and he is looking discustingly healthy. His wife will be giving birth in a few weeks, and his bowling average is up. Aparently he is now considered an all rounder. He is hopeing for a boy. He introduced us to some fine english pub traditions including the ram rod special(half local ale and half rams larger), and the wife beater(stella). Fortunately he is on probation with the baby so close to term, and we wound up rather early. Have been trying to catch up with Dave Bowyer, but he has been extremely busy with work and the two little ones. Hopefully they grant some holiday time to the work aholic so that he can enjoy the good weather.

the Weather here is outstanding. Over 30 degrees each day, and daylight right up till 10:00 at night. The press are very depressed about it, and gloomly predict yet more hot weather. The tube and bus are warm but bearable, yet the press turn it into a panic. I hate to think what would happen here if it reached 40. I gather I have the wrong impression of England, and have yet to see a cool day. I could easily spend alot of time here, with the excellent pubs, magnificient rowing facilities, and glorius weather.

Tonight we will go for a ride on the London eye. Aparently the locals are a bit touchie about it, and I should not refer to it as a feris wheel. It is a "flight" or just "the eye". We have drunk all the french champagne, and eaten all the swiss cheese. Have not warn out our welcome, but will be leaving on the early morning flight to greece anyway. Have enjoyed London imensely.