Up and ready early for the excursion back to Gare du Nord, London and eventually that evening our accommodations near Heathrow. We would gain an hour this day, which we used to our advantage in London. The spoils of the British Museum, great food, and a privileged evening of entertainment were the highlights of the last day of our vacation. Janie even managed some shopping on the fly. It was indeed a fitting way to complete our excellent adventure.

• Paris - Gare du Nord - After check-out we walked to the St. Germaine Metro stop and rode the subway to Gare du Nord. Easy trip through customs and another great trip on Eurostar into London and St. Pancras Station. We sat facing an interesting couple from Scotland, and struck up a fun conversation after Janie woke up. I haven't traveled much by train, but it's a relaxing, easy way to get from here to there. Once back we picked up two one day travel cards and grabbed the tube to Russell Square. There is a great open area here with shopping and "sit in the park" opportunity.
• British Museum - We made our way back to the British Museum for a real visit, as our evening tour on Day 2 was limited to the Terracotta Exhibit. We checked our bags and scoured the map for the many things we wanted to see, including the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, Lindow Man and the Sutton Hoo artifacts. Another place of either salvation or plunder, depending on your point of view. Items from all over the world, some gifts, some taken. Regardless, an incredible collection of histories. At most of the museums we came across teachers on field trips with students. I can't help but to consider what a wonderful advantage it must be (as both student and teacher) to have access to immense resources such as the British Museum and the Louvre.
• Doggett's Coat and Badge - I had picked this joint for a mug-up with the selection being more to do with location than anything else (on our route from the British Museum to the Globe). We had a blast here. Janie ordered something called "Toad in the Hole" and I had what seemed like a whole fish for my "Fish & Chips with Mushy Peas". Our riverside seats, fantastic food and the regular flow of Guinness made for some real English ambience. We watched a couple of school boy tyrants spitting over the bridge on people's heads. Glad the little bas*%&#@s weren't mine!!! Anyhow... onward.
• Millennium Bridge - Leaving at peace with full belly and buzz, we followed the walkway to the Millennium Bridge (ol' wabbly) and walked it to the other side of the river, more or less to say we did. As the name indicates, the bridge was erected as one of several millennium projects for the year 2000 (we also visited the 02). The bridge is for pedestrians only and was busy with Friday evening foot traffic.
• The Golden Hinde - While on our continual walking campaign we stumbled upon a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde ship. The Golden Hinde was an English galleon best known for its global circumnavigation between 1577 and 1580.
• Borough Market - Holy... this place was too cool. All manner of fruit, vegetable, seafood, candy (even Turkish Delight), wine, breads, cheese, meats... you name it!!! We explored the whole area and picked up supplies for a complete snack to enjoy when we got to the evenings accommodations near Heathrow. Those that live near here could shop for supper every night, although I'm not sure how many nights a week the market is open.
• Globe Theatre - The Globe, Shakespeare... what can I say. An amazing evening and an appropriate way to end our vacation. Shakespeare was never meant to be read, it was meant for here. We were one of the first to get into the theatre and our seats were incredible. Middle row, in the back with a totally unobstructed view of the stage... unbelievable. The viewing was sponsored by Deutsche Bank, who had partnered with the Globe to create a series of educational showings of Much Ado About Nothing for students across the UK. This "last performance" was open to the general public, and free. We landed tickets via phone from Canada. The acting, the play, the setting, all contributed to what was one of the most memorable theatre events I've ever witnessed. Jane was totally smitten by the event as well. We knew that we had been involved in something very special. Many thanks to our friend Sally, from the Globe, who helped us along the way. We feel so very privileged to have been able to attend.
• Accommodations - Premier Inn Heathrow - Saying goodbye to the Globe and London, we tubed out to Heathrow to grab our accommodations. It was about a 50 min subway ride to Heathrow, then we caught a "Hoppa Bus" to our hotel. Great spot, with a bar downstairs where we collected a couple of Guinnesses and snuck back to our room. We had beer, cheese, a cool wrapped sausage pastry, Turkish delight... all the treats. Great sleep for the return trip early Saturday. Our pass through Heathrow was uneventful as we cleared customs, picked up some "duty free" and boarded on time for the six plus hour flight home... gaining time all the way.