Anglican Aerobics

LONDON TIP #178: Money!
Allow me to illustrate the expense of this city. A new graduate might earn £18K at their first job, giving them the equivalent of a New Zealand $36K lifestyle - whilst they are actually earning $NZ54K. That is how damn pricey this place is.

Thus, my wallet and I are delighted to report that I will start a month-long contract in a law library on the 20th. So, I am now super-conscious of fitting in a few more touristy things... This morning: St Pauls Cathedral...

It is a long story, but bringing the baby meant we got in free (thanks Ronan). The cathedral is as gorgeous as one would expect- and made even this atheist consider the glory of God. In a very English and Anglican way regular loud speaker announcements were made to highlight the various prayers being offered, but the announcer always made sure to thank everyone for listening.

We split up to explore on our own, and I made my way up the 530 stairs to the 'Golden Gallery'. Better than any gym workout I've had... The first two galleries were lovely - one gave internal views over the cathedral nave, the second gave the promised good view of London. However, the horridly high climb up to the third gallery at the top of the church made me green. Even worse - the tower is unidirectional and one had to go up to go down...

Once back down (and tempted to kiss the dirt) I was given the joyous job of watching Ronan whilst Adele had her climb and Marianne joined in the Eucharist. My Aunt is one of the faithful, and I think she was really pleased to be able to take Communion whilst we were there. As for me, Ronan waited until I was all alone before making the most of the building's exquisite acoustics and doing that crying thing that still scares me about babies... His sense of timing is perfect, and he quitened down just as Marianne and Adele returned... but I love him anyway.

Once again I left my rellies to keep up the tourist effort on their own and have come back to Paddington to look for job advertisements....

I will take up the religious theme again with a visit to Westminster Abbey tomorrow - having decided the free trip to St Pauls justifies the £10 Abbey Admission.