So it turns out we are staying in quite a famous postcode where the clackity-clack of typewriters was deafening in the 70s. Famous writers, playwrights, artists and musos all lived here and many still do. It’s where the real story of The Lady in the Van happened and the film was made here a few years ago. Maggie Smith plays Miss Shepherd who lived in her clapped-out van in a posh street (ours!) and ends up squatting in Alan Bennett’s driveway for 20 years. Maggie stayed in our very flat during the filming.
Daniel Craig and Rachel Weiss are a couple of doors down and Jo Wood, (Mrs Ronnie Wood) across the road. Of course they’ve heard the exotic Kiwis are in town and are all camped outside hoping to catch a glimpse of us as we come and go.
We’ve discovered the canals this visit (how did we miss them?) and decided a houseboat with a small bookshop might be the go. We knew we’d find a new venture for our next chapter, but just didn’t expect it quite so early in the trip.
Having a great time and still can’t quite believe we’re only a few days into 6 months of this. Trying to pace ourselves, but London is not the place to take things easy, especially keeping up with the millennials. Yesterday we hiked up Primrose Hill, Roger joined a couple of young Kiwis at the pub to raise a couple of pints and watch NZ win the cricket… then off to the Van Gogh exhibition at the Tate, and dinner and a night at The Secret Comedy Club with the kids in Coventry Garden. Phew! We got lucky and managed to catch two mystery big-name acts trying out new material (Ryan Hamilton from NY had us howling. His Netflix special would be worth a watch if you can find it).
So, we’re now heading to Bath and Somerset for something more befitting our age. Speaking of which, we’re in no doubt that we’ve arrived at senior-hood. Twice now charming young blokes on the tube have offered me their seats (really?!) And astonishingly, we’re yet to be ID’d when asking for OAP rates (Old Age Pensioner). Again, it was me buying the tickets.
Looking forward to our next stop in the countryside for a few days now, then up to Scotland and across to Ireland to reconnect with our dubious roots. We will welcome a more sedate pace.
As Roger says, 1 week down, 25 to go!
Gap year for grownups 
Go one of my favourite OAP imposter couples ever! Kayesie xxx
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Looks interesting and quite amazing…off to a good start….keep these updates coming. Great photos xx
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Sounds like you’ve transformed into the holiday mode well. Have a pint of Youngs for me.
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What a start. Envious already!
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