First error was was getting way too far up the river , on the wrong side of Battersea bridge. By the time we realised our error amidst a sea of people, it was too late to do much else. The whole embankment was filled with thousands of people, we had a small view of the river, just enough to see the lead boats, in between the Union Jacks being waved. We did hear the bells on the lead boat and there was lots of good natured banter in the crowd as we all danced about trying to keep warm – with lots of very dry humour about the weather!!!
As soon as the lead boats were past , we headed off along the back streets of Chelsea, through one very posh street party , with a great jazz band, people singing and dancing in the drizzle ( at this point you really do have to be British to sit there with an umbrella whilst eating your sandwiches and cakes ). Then up to the V & A just before the rain really started for a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate fudge cake. In the cafe a great pianist was playing.
Suitably revived we headed home via a sweaty tube train, filled with people carrying damp Union Jacks , children with painted faces and unheard of on a tube, talking to each other!!! What ever next!!
Back in time to see the end of the pageant on the BBC at Tower Bridge- so not plan A but a pretty good plan B.
We were there , together, when we never thought we would be back in October 2010. British weather, polite crowds and a chatty tube. It must be Jubilee!
