Now, no visit to London’s East End would be complete without the set breakfast at Pellicci’s. They even, surprisingly, have a vegetarian version, which did not disappoint Willa. With a solid meal in our bellies, we headed to Westminster Abbey. A quick note of advice on visiting this incredible landmark; spend the extra four quid on the audio guide. It made the visit all the more worthwhile and the experience would not have been nearly as rich without this relatively small sampling of the history and stories that this great building contains. We then walked up through James Park to Buckingham Palace and then back down the Mall to Trafalgar Square and home via a quick stop on Neal Street.

Friday evening was the designated “Jilayne’s going away party” which amounted to a raucous dinner w/Shane, Caron, Gary at Gourmet San. Shane (tried to) make a booking ahead of time, which was, ironically for 6, instead of 5 people. So, we decided that the sixth chair was for Ira's spirit, as Gourmet San had quickly become his favorite restaurant when he visited. We ended up sitting next to the door and squeezed around a smaller table, which Shane was quite displeased about, considering his frequent-flyer status at the restaurant. No matter, we made a joke about the repetitive need to remind new arrivals to close the door ‘all the way’ to ward off the cold night air and ended up sharing some of our food with a man waiting for a table who returned the favor by taking our picture. We had skewers and the cucumber dish to start, two rounds of the sea bass, salt and pepper squid, a yummy noodle dish, fried chicken, rice, and the bean dish. Following this feast, we enjoyed a champagne toast at flat and then Gary, Willa and I hit the Carpenter’s Arms for late night pints and lots of laughs.

--- Pellicci':; an East End institution ---

--- side entrance to Westminster Abbey ---

--- fantastic food at Gourmet San: another East End institution ---

--- Gary and Willa bundle up before leaving the warmth of the Carpenter's Arms ---