Get In The Car: Our Day at Tate Modern

After fresh air and lunch at the Victoria and Albert, dh decided to take the bus back to the hotel, and I needed the walk. Nothing like fresh air and sunshine to revive the spirits.

So revived we were that the next day we decided to go to a museum that hadn't existed when I lived in England - Tate Modern. I had first 'seen' this Tate in a movie starring Judi Dench. I also wanted to see how the old power station actually looked as a gallery. So out we went...but no sun this day.

The reassuring sight of St. Paul's as we approach the South Bank.

Finally inside, it's time to try and capture the vastness of this building.

However...after a brisk walk from the tube station, I wanted a cuppa tea and to see the 7th floor restaurant with its knockout views. Yes, I am feeling peckish.

Just having a drink usually means standing at the windows, but there are a few seats available and we snag them as soon as we can. I seriously lust after these teapots and enjoy the display and the tea I'm served equally.

Oh yes, that view...

We decide to come back for lunch and debate a reservation. We decide we don't need one so onto some art. First, we see Red Star over Russia which had great posters.

I believe this one is Ukrainians and Russians have a Common Cry - We Must Not Let the Landowners Rule Over the Workers 1920. There are even portable seats you can cart around so you can sit and ponder the exhibits.

There are a great many schoolchildren in this museum also, but they seem to have a good knowledge of art and often are with parents who encourage them a good bit and who know their own stuff.

Well lunchtime rolled around, and yes, we would go back to the Tate Restaurant - w/o a reservation. There was a good line, but we went to the restrooms to wash up and by the time we were done, our beeper went off. We saw lots of people after us wait a long time, so when in doubt, make a reservation.

His fish pie

my roast chicken, and no I am not used to cutting it off the bone with a knife and fork!

Our shared dessert - well, his but he shared - an apple crumble.

And once again, that quintessential view - that iconic view.

A good day, and a museum tiring day, at the Tate, and then a walk back through London. We headed up towards Covent Garden, taking it slowly and looking about, and enjoying saying...Oh we had coffee there, and Do you remember that place? While Bella Italia is a chain, we also have a restaurant with the same name in Annapolis. Yes, the world is small.

We also saw this chocolate decadence. Wouldn't you like that as a gift!

Now the sun was doing its late afternoon setting and we still wanted to go to Waterstones on Picadilly. After a coffee and tea, we set out again. No pastries I'm afraid tho I think this toddler got one!

Down on the embankment we were told by the bobbies to walk thru St. James Park to get to the nearest tube for our line. Look for the blue bridge they said.It was lovely walking as the sun truly set and the commuters were starting to go home. We asked one man to take our picture and I suspect he had a pint too many already.