BBQ, Benchley, and Being Polite

The clock is ticking. We are down to our final days on this trip. Lots of mixed emotions but it will be good to get back to a "normal" life.

Last night we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try a Korean BBQ restaurant. It was close to our flat and received rave reviews. We opted to have the kitchen cook our meat rather than do it at the table. Maybe that was our mistake? Anyway, we were disappointed and felt the ribeye was overpriced. But we loved the udon noodles with chicken.

Today was our trip to Benchley Park, and I am so glad we went. We found the faciity to be absolutely fascinating. The exhibits, the photos, and the videos really do capture the importance of what the codebreakers did during WW2. It was emphasized several times the number of lives that were saved because of their work. The technology that was so advanced for that time! Any future travelers to London, this is something that should not be missed! We were able to tour the manor home which was built for a wealthy family in the 1800's and served as the headquarters during the war.

All of the outbuildings were added during the war to accommodate the workers - up to 9,000 at one point. Most lived away from the facility but were bused in daily. They worked long hours (mostly 8-hour shifts or more when needed) and the majority of them were women. Because of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, there was a special video describing how the codebreakers assisted in the invasion of Normandy. Fascinating. Tonight we are re-watching The Imitation Game!

A litle side note... We have found Londoners to be very warm and welcoming. We've had people speak up when they can tell we aren't sure about a train issue or offer advice at a restaurant. And they are just so darn polite. Here are two signs that basically say No Parking! In the US, there would be the threat of towing or a reference to some ordinance. Not here....

Just so civilized!!

And a small celebration at the end of a great day...