They arrived Sunday after a nonstop flight from Tampa to Gatwick (can you believe such a flight exists? It does, thanks to British Airways' recognition of the large number of Brits who love Florida but hate changing planes). I met them at the airport, which means that I've now visited 3 of London's 5 airports. I must find an excuse to go to Luton now! We took the train to Victoria Station and then the tube to my flat and then just chilled the rest of the time--jet lag usually makes that first day worthless anyway.
Monday we headed down to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard. I think I have taken more pictures of this than of anything else, ever. I should put together my own "Changing of the Guard Calendar." It's a little different each time, though, due to the different guards and bands that play, so I always see new things, like the dog leading the band below.
In front of Buckingham palace; Changing of the Guard led by a dog?
We're too cool for you. Okay, okay, we'll smile.
After getting a bite to eat at a pub near the palace, we walked past Westminster Abbey (which was closed due to some event), Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben before getting back on the tube to go to the Tower of London. I was really impressed that even with the jet lag, my fam was up for doing so much in one day! But I was glad, considering you really have to take advantage of any day without rain here.
Big Ben; Tower Bridge
After seeing the crown jewels & exploring the Tower, we rode the bus back in order to experience the double-deckers, which are so much fun!
Riding the Tube to the Tower; One of the old-timey buses we got to ride on to go home.
Tuesday was a rainy day, so Dad rested at the flat, and we three had a "girls' day out," going to Harrods, where Mom had scones & clotted cream, and then Kensington Palace, which has a few of Diana's dresses and an exhibit on debutantes. It even cleared up a little in the afternoon.
Lunch at Harrods; Kensington Palace
Wednesday we decided to do a Beatles' Walking tour (more on that later) in the afternoon, so in the morning we headed over to the British Museum, which I love, love, love. Because it is free, you don't feel compelled to see everything like you would if you were paying for it, so you can linger in a few exhibits each time, which is a lovely way to visit a museum. The Rosetta Stone is a must-see, of course, as is the giant scarab. I wonder if that's where the word "scary" comes from.
The Rosetta Stone; The only beetle I enjoy seeing.
To be continued . . .
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