After a great early morning workout at the Varsity Hotel gym and full breakfast, we hopped in the car and headed south from Cambridge to Saffron Walden, an old market town in Essex.
Back on the road our GPS valiantly directed around traffic entering London. But, even on a Tuesday, the traffic snarls win. Dropped the Sixt Rental car off at Victoria station and took the green line east to Tower Hill and the Leonardo Hotel. After a quick check in, we were out walking, first stop: the Old Spitalfields Market.
As we walked out and through the business district, the rain fell and then poured. Full thunder shower, London style.
We eventually made it to the Leadenhall Market, a Victorian covered shopping arcade that dates back to the 14th century. 
It was the perfect place in the middle of a deluge for a pint, G&T and a burger.
A brisk 2.9 mile walk (yes, 2.9 miles) in mildly drizzly weather from The Swan Hotel door back to the breakfast room set up a perfect day.
Our first stop was the Ashmolean Museum, which was remarkably uncrowded at 9:30 am this Wednesday morning. We paid to see the special exhibit “Last Supper In Pompeii” and it was outstanding.
Left The Painswick after a fine British breakfast (highlighted by fabulous, freshly made crumpets and a berry compote), we drove into a heavy rain toward Cirencester and the on to Bibury for a 3-night stay at The Swan Hotel.
The finest brownie in the world (layered peanut butter, chocolate fudge) was waiting for us at Huffkins Bakery. That and an iced coffee is worth a flight to London and the drive to Stow.
After a great British breakfast, hopped on the Tube at Tower Hill and headed for the South Kensington station. Arrived at the Victoria & Albert Museum as it opened at 10.
Boomers Daily 