ST PAULS CATHEDRAL AND HUMUS BROS

A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD, a constant reminder to this great commercial centre of the importance of the spiritual side of life. The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces. Since the first service took place here in 1697. Wren's masterpiece has been where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated. Important services have included the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria; peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars;

Remember these steps Granny Hillary Only 464 to go to the top. Obviously the architects didn't take into account the 100kg Polynesians when designing access.
The whanau on Millennium Bridge with St Paul's in the background

Ngahuia and Sharon on the steps of St Paul's.Liam and Grant at the top of St Paul's Dome with a view of London in the background

A view of the whispering room you can just make out the kids on the other side
All the whanau at the viewing level of the Cathedral

Another shared lunch this time on the steps of St Paul's For Dinner that night we went to Humus Bros a restaurant in Soho that specialises obviously in meals that are served with humus and with the motto "Give Peas a Chance" (All the kids were given badges). Grant was a bit skeptical but when the owner said if he wasn't satisfied by his meal he could keep eating on the house he certainly changed his mind. It was delish and the kids all loved being able to mop up at the end with lashings of pita bread.

ENGLISH MOTHERS DAY

Today was special as we celebrated "Mothers Day" in England. All the kids played their part in showing how special their mother was to them. Ngahuia was in charge of the cards and menus and was amazingly thoughtful and industrious. She started her card making earlier in the week making one at school and then 3 others in her spare time at home. The end product can be seen in the photos to follow. Once she completed her cards she decided to the create a list of special things we could do for her Mum and a menu for her special breakfast. On the day she was up bright and early waking her Papa so they could start preparing breakfast. The Kids and Dad let Sharon have a lie in (her second favourite thing)while they were busy downstairs. Ngahuia decided it would be a good idea to close the curtains leading into the conservatory so that we could unveil breakfast. Once breakfast was ready and the table was set the whanau asked Mama to come down stairs. Ngahuia unveiled breakfast and Mama was very impressed with the spread and preparation. On the menu were pancakes, bacon, golden syrup yogurt, strawberries and mocha coffee. Liam started with a karakia and we all shared a wonderful breakfast. After breakfast Paraone packed the table and Liam washed the dishes. Oh and if your wondering what was Grants contribution - He managed to burn the first couple of pancakes.



A wonderful spread prepared and organised by Ngahuia what a thoughtful and caring daughter Ngahuia put so much time and hard work into all SIX cards

Ngahuia looking as though she's already started planning her next family function
The boys enjoying breakfast with their Mama.

Liam doing his bit for his Mum by doing the dishes after breakfast

Ngahuia and her Dad do a Day at Covent Garden

Ngahuia and her Dad had a special day together at Covent Garden Markets. She brought a: London Teddy, a pom pom hanging mobile for her room, a post card for her friend and some special marbles.
Ngahuia waiting for the train at Harlington station

Covent Garden, London is famous for its shops, street performers, bars, restaurants, theatres and the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden is an Italian-style piazza packed with restaurants, bars and fashionable boutiques. Surrounded by Theatreland, in the heart of London's West End, the area is recognised as the capital's premier entertainment and leisure destination.

At the heart of the Covent Garden piazza lies the famous market, designed in 1632 by Inigo Jones and now visited by 30 million tourists each year. The large glass covered building comprises several arcades of fashionable boutiques, cafés and an arts and crafts market.

The markets have many people doing street theatre, busking and performing. This is the Bronze Man that wanted his photo taken with Ngahuia

Papa "Can I spend all my money here".