From there, it was a short walk under another sunny English sky to the British Library.
We had our packed lunch just outside of it, and tried our first Jelly Babies for dessert! Our verdict: not...great. We tried one of each flavor and put the rest away to take home next week.
And then right after lunch...we went inside. If you are interested in ANY aspect of history, this place is an absolute must. It's completely free (although donations are welcome) and houses an unbelievable number of historical documents! I was so sad we couldn't take photos (although it's understandable) but seriously, it was one treasure after another. Sheet music penned by Handel, Debussy, and Bach; a letter co-written Anne Boleyn and Henry the VIII; sacred documents dating back to 700 AD. We were there a ridiculously long time and still didn't want to leave.
In the gift shop, Sherlock found a book that caught his interest...but then he solved them all in approximately four minutes and seven seconds, and then stood there for another half hour telling anyone who walked by not to purchase the book as it was a waste of money. Suffice to say we left shortly thereafter.
Then we went to the Museum of London, which we enjoyed immensely, particularly the section dealing with the plague and the Great Fire. We got so caught up in reading everything, we forgot all about taking photos!
After that, we ended up walking by the Diogenes Club, and I wanted to pop in and say hello to Mycroft. You can imagine how THAT went over...as I'm sure you can tell by the look on Sherlock's face.
We then went past the Duke of York Column and down the stairs...which someone stroppily reminded me that he once traversed on a motorbike in his race to pull me from a blazing bonfire with no regard for his own personal safety and yet this is how I thanked him, by forcing him to stop by his brother's stupid little club, well fine, see if he'll jump into the flames next time to save my ungrateful arse, etc. etc. I'm paraphrasing a bit but you get the general tone.
This same tantrum thrower was immediately placated when I revealed our dinner destination a few minutes later, though.
Was a bit crowded going in, but we went upstairs straightaway and got a table near the mock-up of the Victorian 221b sitting room. Bit creepy with that mannequin thing in there, but we just ignored that bit. The waiter seemed to recognise us right away, but then said "oh right, it's Cumberbatch and Freeman, yeah?" I didn't know what he was on about, so I just agreed.
Our table was right next to this very Sherlockian chair, so of course we took another photo.
Menu was full of familiar names, and that Cumberbatch fellow gets another mention. That's actually what Sherlock ended up ordering.
Then whilst we sat, I looked over to the next table and realised I recognised two of the three young ladies next to us from Twitter. I told Sherlock I was quite sure I knew them, and he begged me not to embarrass myself by going over, but I did anyway! It was the lovely Irene (not that Irene) and Charly? Charlie? who cosplay us so wonderfully! (And I did remember Charlie/Charly's name, even if not how to spell it, but then doubted myself at the last second when I asked for a photo. And I ignored the third girl completely. Bit not good, Watson! Oi!) Anyway, lovely meeting them.
Last stop for the day: Piccadilly Circus, and a a special shout-out to the Criterion, where I first heard the name "Sherlock Holmes" whilst having lunch with our mutual friend Mike Stamford. Best day of my life because I met my best friend in the world, and I can't imagine anyone I'd rather have a London holiday with. Ta again, Mike!
Back at the hotel now, and Sherlock is watching a Doctor Who on Netflix while I write up today's blog. Many thanks, lovely readers, for all the kind comments...they mean a lot!
More tomorrow night!
- JW