Aaaaand pause

Phew! What a busy few days. London was brilliant - catching up with friends is always fun. We spent a good deal of time dodging raindrops and racing map apps to direct ourselves on Saturday, which included a trip to Little Venice, a trip to the wrong platform at Paddington, and a giggle at the V & A museum - packed with raindrop-dodgers. We also admired the Olympic park from friend's flat. (And the several taxi cafes we spotted.)
Sunday was brunch and a wander around the Notting Hill Carnival. It was huge, and the crowds were incredible. I don't think there were any stereo speakers left anywhere else in London - so loud. Great costumes, but slightly perturbed by the chocolate and paint throwers - really not sure what that was about. A quick dash down Marylebone road and I made my train with minutes to spare.

Taxi cafe no. 1

Heatherwick silly seats at the V & A

Snazzy brickwork and garden courtyard at the V & A

It's got to be another Heatherwick at the entrance to the V & A

Taxi cafe no. 2 - with taxi

View from friend's flat of the Olympic park

People as far as the eye can see at Notting Hill

Wicked bird costume - there were puppet flamingoes earlier in the day!
Note the boarded-up windows behind!

Big Ben as a carnival bird

Not sure why but friend insisted...

Taxi cafe no. 3 (Huuuge piles of rubbish in the carnival zone, but even
giant bins would have been overflowing.