We got up bright and early this morning to meet our walking tour guide, Ann from London Walks. She walked us around for 4 hours giving the highlights of London. It was a grey chilly day in London so we donned our vests, fleece jacket, and our down coats and headed out to the streets.
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| Royal Mail being delivered |
When we arrived at Buckingham Palace the Royal Mail was being delivered by horse and carriage, it stops at all the Royal's households with their mall. There was no changing of the guard today because in the winter they only do it every other day.
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| Buckingham Palace |
The Queen is home because her flag is flying over the Palace but she did not invite us for a visit :-(! There are over 300 rooms in Buckingham Palace!
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| Guard infront of Prince Charles and Camilla home |
This guard was in front of Prince Charles and Lady Camilla's residence. They now live in the house that was occupied by the Queen Mum until 2002 when she passed away. His hat is made from Canadian Bear Fur. . .they wash it and blow dry it to keep it clean.
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| Memorial to the Queen Mum and King George |
These were to statues that honor the memory of King George (King's Speech) and Queen Elizabeth (Mum). The statue of the Queen was designed to look like she was when King George died in 1952.
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| Royal Pelican |
These are the Royal Pelicans that live in the park by Buckingham Palace, they are fed fish each day. They seemed quite chilly and were probably dreaming of a warm climate, sand, and surf!
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| Before the horse nipped me |
We were able to see the changing of the horse guard and this picture was snapped just before the horse turned his head and nibble on me! In all fairness there was a huge sign that warned of the horse kicking and biting. . .I ignored the sign for the photo opportunity,
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| Big Ben |
This is the Tower of Parliament inside of which resides the bell Big Ben. The original designer of Big Ben also made the Liberty Bell. I mentioned to the tour guide that ours cracked. . . the original Big Ben cracked as well.
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| Beefeater at The Tower of London |
This was a Beefeater that guards the Tower of London where all the crowned jewels are located. There are some serious jewels on the various, crowns, scepters, swords and orbs! One of the diamonds is 540 carats! There is a gold plated punch bowl that can hold 144 liters of wine. . .now that's a party!
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| Tower of London |
I thought this was a pretty photo taken as we came out of the torture chamber in the Tower of London. In the torture chamber the devices either stretched you or folded you in thirds and put a cage around you!
We also had an extensive tour of Westminster Abbey and saw the graves of many famous people. We can help wondering where they are going to sit all the people for William and Kate's wedding . . .the best views will most definitely be on the telly!
Tonight we get to meet the other 74 people on our trip. . .should be an interesting couple of hours!
Jeanna almost came over to add to the blog but the doorbell rang with her afternoon tea. . .she is warming up with a perfect spot of tea. . .a true English woman!
Did you ponder the opportunity for Jeanna to demonstrate the folding torture devices for the masses? After all, during the flight over she does have some experience at this kind of thing!!
ReplyDeleteHave you picked up a little trinket to commemorate Wills and Kate's wedding yet? I'm sure the shops windows are draped in all sorts of stuff!
As with the Ellen show, I'm sure you'll be invited to the wedding.
ReplyDeleteThe tower where Big Ben is is called St. Stephen's clock tower (just a little trivia for ya). If you get a chance, head over to Sloane Square - - was down the King's Road to Bywater Street - - our old stomping grounds!! Bywater is the cutest little street and you can grab a tasty pasty at the corner! Makes me miss London and our time there....
ReplyDeleteI thought I would pee my pants when you told the story of Jeanna being folded in the airplane lounger. that was hilarous. I can just see the two you laughing your heads off. Oh and thank you so much for the Birthday wishes.
ReplyDeletePlease keep the stories coming, I love them.
Much Love,
Toni
Thanks for the taste! Sounds like you're having a great time!
ReplyDeleteMeghan. . .I am serious London Walks was great! Interesting commentating not too much just enough facts to make it fun!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great day in London and love the serious guards. I remember trying to make them giggle and they don't budge! How was the meeting of the 74 travel mates? Anything interesting to write about? Waiting... miss you both! xoxo
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