Day 150, 1 December 2012, Hemel Hempstead (Hertfordshire) - settled a wee while ago in the 8th century. Our exploration of the counties surrounding London continued today. We met a great lady in Jordan in August and headed off to visit her for a few days and catch up on the last few months. We had a choice of transport - public, 15 minute walk to station with 4 massive bags, onto the bus to get to the railway station. Up stairs, across bridge, down stairs to platform, train to Liverpool Street, Tube to another station (don't forget the luggages), train to Hemel Hempstead, taxi to our mate's place. All for the princely sum of £47. Phew. Or cough up £80 for a taxi door to door. No brainer obviously and we enjoyed the 90 minute ride right up until he reached the address we had given him and it looked nothing like what we were expecting. Just one of those awkward spots to get to via SatNav as it turns out - and we were only 300 metres away from target. Being pesky taxi clients we refused to jump out until we'd phoned Heather and she'd popped into the street to wave the taxi to the correct spot. Success! Settled in for a great catchup, Chinese food for dinner, introductions to the resident householders - Skipper and Tink (aka. Ginge). Definitely our Cats of the Day today. Very curious about the house-guests indeed. Haven't quite jumped into bed with us. But we wouldn't be surprised if they get round to it in the next few days. They are pictured sharing their Radiator Bed - quite possibility the best invention, ever. We are staying in the New Town of Hemel and on Monday are off to explore the Old Town. Tomorrow (Sunday) we're taking a road trip to Oxford for the day. Feeling "in-spired" (get it?) just thinking about it.