First, we hang our heads in shame…..we awoke at 9:45 am. This is truly an embarrassment for two people who usually get up at 4am and who pride themselves for keeping the same schedule despite jet lag……Not this time. We did, however, hit the deck running and managed to catch the Big Bus Tour by 10:30. Traditionally, we’ve found the “hop on – hop off ” bus tours to be a quick and efficient way to explore a city, but it doesn’t work as well in London. First, the city is enormous, and the traffic boggles the mind. Second, London is in the midst of a major gas line overhaul, so traffic is being diverted every two or three blocks. Long story short, we finally arrived at Harrods (on the west side) at 2:30 pm. Our tour still included a loop around Kennsington Palace before heading east toward St. Paul’s and home. We cried ‘Uncle” and hopped off. Retracing our steps eastward, we remembered seeing an Iraqi restaurant a few blocks earlier. Fortunately, they were still serving lunch. Iraqi food was a first for either of us, and we really enjoyed the experience. We found the food very similar to our favorite Indian meals; although, it was far less spicy.
After lunch, we cut through Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace. First of all, the Queen obviously did not get the word that we were coming to visit today. Those gates are closed tightly, and the guards were in place. It’s always amazing to catch a first glimpse of a place you’ve seen hundreds of times in photos or on television. Just above the main palace door is that famous balcony where we’ve seen the “Royal kisses” of Charles and Diana, Andrew and Fergie, and more recently, William and Kate. Let me add that I was the one taken with the balcony, Charlie was far more intrigued with the palace guards. At any rate, this was a day to merely get our bearings, so we continue on with plans to head for Westminster. Noting that the area was heavily barricaded, we wondered if this was left from the Royal Wedding or another event. I approached a policeman to ask directions toward Westminster. He advised us to cut through St. James Park. I asked if there was an event going on today. Without so much as a smile, he replied, “No, the Queen died.” Obviously, our jaws dropped to the ground, and the guy cracked up. They were preparing for a charity race through the park. Of all the policemen in London, we get the aspiring comedian:-) We did find our way to Westminster and Big Ben. Again, we’re late into the afternoon, so we defer the tour until we get a museum pass later this week. Now we turn eastward and head back for St. Pauls following the pedestrian walkway along the Thames. By the time we reach Blackfriars Bridge, one of us (moi) is going down for the count. Fortunately, Charlie is better prepared than I. He spies the Blackfriars Saloon and Bar which he recognizes from his extensive research of London pubs. We took a break there to sample a beer and Monkey Shoulder….a scotch that Becky discovered on her trip to Edinburgh last year. Now, properly fortified for the remainder of the journey, we head toward the dome of St. Paul’s and home.
We are now happily seated in our apartment and making plans for our tour of Churchill’s homes, Windsor Castle, and an overnight trip to Runnymede. More to follow tomorrow! Meanwhile, we leave you with a few photos from our March Across London:-)
Night all!
A view of the London Big Eye from the Thames.