One thing that we both wanted to experience in London was a NYE fireworks from the River Thames on a boat. As it happened so did friends Pat and Julie so we went for it and booked a table on one of the all inclusive dinner dance boats. Five hours on the water, a four course meal, all the booze you can handle and then fireworks at midnight to usher 2019 in.
Pat and Julie stayed at the flat so we had a couple of cheeky liveners, got dolled up for the occasion and then headed down to the Southbank in style, on the tube.
We cruised up and down the Thames for a few hours while we ate, passing all the sights.
Full disclosure…The food was poor and it was difficult to get a drink at the table!
But the company was good, we found a way directly to the bar and what’s not to like about cruising the Thames?
We eventually came to a stop right by the Houses of Parliament as the skipper jostled for position with hundreds of other boats in the fast flowing water. Hats off for that one.
Midnight was fast approaching so we pre-empted the rush, loaded up with drinks and made our way to the rear deck where we’d get the best view of the fireworks. Thank goodness we did, within minutes it was rammed with people pushing a shoving for position. We had a little altercation with someone who obviously thought it was ok to use strong arm tactics against the oldies… I think she said “you oldies should be home in bed with a cup of horlicks” – think again young lady – Sal lost it – and Pat not known for his diplomacy poured oil on the troubled waters before s’curity arrived 🙂
Big Ben ‘bonged’ to signal midnight and whoosh, off went the fireworks.. Happy New year! We couldn’t hear the accompanying music but all the boats were hooting their air horns and the display was magnificent; being on the boat was worth it for those few moments alone.
My photography sadly doesn’t do it justice but it truly was spectacular and will remain in my memory.
Who knows, in the post COVID-19 world, mass fireworks displays may not happen for a while, if ever, so I’m glad we did this one.
At 0100 we disembarked and hot footed it for a taxi back to the flat for a couple of nightcaps 🙂
With Pat and Julie staying we decided to kip in the camper on the street (don’t tell anyone). New year’s day was beautiful so after a slow start and brunch we went out for a walk along the canal before saying farewell. We were drooping a bit by now and needed a hair of the dog so had a mini pub crawl around the Little Venice and Paddington Central area. A surprising number of bars were open with people wanting to eek out the New Year celebrations and we ended up in the Warwick Castle before heading home for some food and an early night. 2019 had started!
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