So we went off on our yearly trip to the big smoke – this time we decided to stay slightly outside of London in Richmond-upon-Thames for a couple of nights, venturing into town on the Friday to visit the Shard. I also decided to drive up for a change – as it was Richmond and not in the city it seemed like a good idea. Its around 120 miles and we set off around 8:45 on he Thurs morning, and sailed through the M4 at a good clip and arrived n Richmond town just and hour and a half later. Its a straight run until Jnt 2, then turn right and follow the signs for Kew, then its a straight road for 5 mins and you are there.
We left the kit in the car, and we headed off into Richmond with a variety of clothing, the day may have rained or been sunny so preparation was the key – something pops excelled at! 15 minute walk into Richmond, and I took then through the green and onto the River proper, after 5 mins we were overcome with the charms of the slug and had our first drinky poos. At this point a google car came past so hopefully we will now be uploaded into the street view in Google for the Richmond river front. We then walked up te river a little way – specifically so that I could have a look at Steins – where they sell massive sausages and massive steins of Erdinger – I wasn’t allowed in. We walked back and went to the Pitcher and Piano for lunch – I had a second best hot dog, with a sausage which withered in comparison with those massive German bratwurst but it was washed down with a couple of pints of Peroni – which was nice.
Next up was the mystery tour, I manage to get them from Richmond to Southfields pretty much before they realised where we were going. IN order to help this I got them out at Putney and onto the underground at East Putney, unfortunately Wimbledon was mentioned there, so I think Ma had a good idea when we left the station. Anyway, Wimbledon is an odd place to visit, Wimbledon station is further away from the Tennis than Southfields, but even here is a 15 minute walk to the center – which we stormed through, in fifteen minutes.
We were slightly early, so after a baggage check with the efficient security waller we had a quick drink and a scone before the tour proper. Our tour mate Andy, was a bit of a cockney who took delight in lightly taking the piss of the foreigners of which there were loads. One German guy ran a translation to his children louder than Andy was talking, and Mr and Mrs India took picture after picture after picture. We saw No.1 court, Henmans Hill, the press center and Center Court – all quite impressive, but we couldnt see the changing rooms, or the tunnels, or much of the grounds which was disappointing – I would have liked to have seen the behind the scenes stuff. It lasted an hour and a half, but only really a few bits. The courts were very impressive, and perhaps one day I will go back there to watch something.
After the tour we had a brief look at the museum and then off back to Richmond – the day was on its way over by this time, so as soon as we got back we called into Pizzeria Rustica and had some nosh. Pop’s fish soup was the best thing ever, and my Pizza was adequate. Quite tired already we got some provisions from Tescos and wondered home for an early night, even though we had to check in and mother had to swap rooms as her’s stunk – I was snoring by 10:30.