I had lunch in Covent Garden today, with  cousin Tony, whom I had not seen for three years- so I thought that I would pass on my observations.

Being a sunny bank holiday the town was buzzing with grockles, chuckling and bustling around The New (to me) Opera House, like a relentless army bringing the cobbled streets to life.

We dived in to Tuttons and sampled duck confit, pasta and mineral water, watching the swathes of tourists meandering aimlessly past our protected respite in a dandy little alcove. It felt good to see that many people, all in a good mood. Living on The Gold Coast, I had forgotten that the world was so crowded.

We opted out of The Notting  Hill Carnival- as that can be hectic and sometimes violent.

After lunch, we became the meanderers. Trickling through the narrow streets to Cambridge Circus and on down Charing Cross Rd to Trafalgar Square, passing hordes of sightseers and hawkers- a great atmosphere. Especially pleasing to see the portrait gallery and the National so well patronized .

And here’s my contribution…..Well it’s three photographs actually. Me learing in the Covent Garden Restaurant. A self explanatory sign about the girl standing on the podium. The girl close up and from a distance, showing The National Art Gallery in the background.

Oh hang on that’s four. I don’t know if this bloody webmail will send four- but I will try. Happy Holidays and love to all. I think that I can say that, after exchanging missives with youse all for more than a year.

Part time foreign correspondant JL, signing off.

PS  For Madeleine. I collected a menu from Harvey Nichols that promotes and sells organic food and denigrates GM. I’ll post it on my return