1st July 2021 by emmadurnford

1st July 2021

1 year, 97 days since the start of the 1st lock down in March 2020

Today was a good day! A couple of weeks ago my friends Emmeline and Paul had arranged for free tickets for us to visit Kew Gardens of which they are members so we took the bus and met them outside the Lion Gate. Unusually it was dry and we enjoyed a walk around the gardens catching up on news. This could have been the end of the day but no, we made a snap decision to use my tickets to the Shard which expire next week, to avoid losing them. part of a Red Letter day presents quite some time ago from Mum, I did not want to lose them.

We said a hurried good bye and grabbed a bus to Kew station and then a tube to Westminster, changing there for London Bridge. The tubes were by no means packed but it was a bit daunting even with masks. We arrived at the Shard, nobody in front of us, nobody in the foyer where we collected out tickets… nobody in any of the three lifts that took us to the viewing platform on the 72nd floor! There were some people at the viewing level, mostly smartly dressed with posh cocktails.

The views really were incredible and despite not being keen on heights, we were so high that didn’t seem to affect me. We literally could see for miles even though it was a bit hazy. We want to return at dusk for the blue hour and maybe a meal! This is one of many photos but my favourite view with the river Thames, Tower bridge, The Tower of London, Canary Wharf and even the Olympic site in the distance!

Nando’s when we got back to Teddington using another of Colin’s voucher and an easier order this time with my phone.
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