Magic of London Tour

My feet felt better after a good night's rest. I'm afraid they' going to get a beating today too. Breakfast at 7, delicious although we had to wolf it down to be down the street by 7:15. We had to walk to another hotel to get our ride to the bus terminal. That in itself was fascinating. Buses were pouring into this tiny yard, then discharging their loads of people. We went into this terminal which was somewhat similar to a train station. Our tour left from gate 5. All the tours left at the same time so it was chaotic yet orderly in a strange fashion.

Our tour was off....the driver weaved in and out of traffic like the pro he was. I guess most drivers in London in London drive close and fast. Just close your eyes. But then you start missing the sights! I think I took 200 photos which, of corse, will not all fit on this blog. Some highlights are Tower of London, boat ride on the Thames, Changing of the Guards,St. Paul's Cathedral, HighTea at Harrods. Busy day and we could have spent more time at most places but you're on a time crunch. First was Tower of London with the Beefeaters and the Ravens!

Good views of Tower Bridge too.

Guard at Tower of London

Next was boat ride on the Thames to another stop. This shows a double decker bus on the London Bridge.

 

Then we had to rush to the palace for the Changing of the Guard. Our tour guide had us stand at the road for the march back to the barracks. So we got some really close photos. Also, the Queen was in residence! Of course we didnn't see her. But her flag was flying.

 

 

 

I know, I really like the guards. Usually you don't get so close! On the way, a good picture of Big Ben -

 

This is from the bus and is a neat perspective I thought. Also saw The London Eye. We didn't pick that to go on, we did other activities. Jacky and I got higher climbing St Paul's Cathedral!

 

Lunch today was on our own and we picked a Japanese restaurant called Wagamama or something like that. It was delicious! I had chicken and prawns with fried rice, miso soup that was as good as the soup in California, green tea, edemame...

 

 

The Cathedral was magnificent. Jacky and I were the only ones to climb to the Golden Gallery - the highest you can go above the dome...

Look at the top of the large dome. That's where we climbed to! It was 530 narrow tough steps. I honestly wasn't sure I could do it but with Jacky's support, I did! Don't want to do it anytime soon.

 

 

This foot bridge was on Harry Potter's last movie. Awesome views! Do you see The London Eye in the background?

What's left to show? Oh yes, Harrods! We had high tea which was scrumptious - raisin scones with clotted butter and jam, tea with sugar and cream, and champagne! Then shopping. I'm afraid I got stuck at the cheese counter...can you blame me? Had to get a chunk of Brie to eat later, and some truffles...

First the outside of Harrods - for Mother...

Plenty of pictures that you didnn't get to see, but this gives a taste. Let's see what tomorrow brings...

 

Posted with Blogsy