Blogging of our Royal Wedding Adventures

The night before we left for our trip to London, I had decided to start a Blog. I had created a Blog before for the Europe trip Deb and I took the first time. I like to journal. I like to keep in touch with family and friends while we are away. I especially love to share my pictures to encourage others to travel and see the world. Blogging seemed like a great way to do it all.

I have loved it. When I took pictures this trip, I was thinking in terms of what I could Blog about. Seriously, this is my last Blog, but I have a dozen more ideas for Blogs with the pictures I have of London. The stories are endless. Food, sights, statues, flowers, Royal stuff, museums, people of London going about their days, funny people, etc...etc...

I really want to thank everyone who has followed my Blog. Your feedback has been fantastic and I loved reading your comments.

We leave in the early morning tomorrow and arrive home by about dinner time.

I will see most of you in the next few days and can't wait to share our stories and excitement of another incredible Adventure.

Thanks again.

Last night in London

How do you cram a weeks worth of souvenir's into two small suitcases and three small bags? You put your stuff in Deb's bags when she is not looking?

We knew we had that to look forward to while we were still out walking the City of London. So we didn't go back till almost 9pm. Thus why I am Blogging at 11:30pm your time.

Our last evening in London and I really wanted to take a quick peek at London Bridge, which is actually called, The Tower Bridge. It is an impressive sight. We toured it last visit but it is London when you see it. It is truly magnificent.

We walked over it to also take another look at The Tower of London. Funny because from certain angles, you can view the very old Tower and behind it 20th Century, very modern buildings. It really is odd.

One of the walk ways we took, the other night, through St. James Park, had these memorial plaques built into the sidewalks. It is the "Diane Princess of Wales Memorial Walk." Kind of took us aback for a second. Still an incredibly sad story and there are many reminders of her in London. Many souvenirs as well as pictures of her.

The HMS Belfast is also anchored in the Thames River right near the Tower Bridge. It is massive and tours are available for the public.

We have spent the last two days strolling on both sides of the Thames River. Both are interesting, with lots of people enjoying everything from sitting enjoying the view of the water to biking along the promenade. When we come back again, I think we will continue to do more exploring along the water.

The Beatles

We really were going to do the 'Abbey Road' picture of us walking the 'famous' cross walk in London. But alas we were short two Beatles.

This particular Beatles store was quite expensive. But filled with many collectables. The young gal who rang our purchases in was actually from Ottawa. She has been living in London for the past year. It is located almost right next door to the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

The 'Abbey Road' photo op is about a 20 minute walk from the store. Maybe next time?

Sherlock Holmes at 221b Baker's Street

Our last day in London, what to do? What to do?

We got a bit of a late start because we were out late checking the sights of London. Taking the long way home by walking along the water way.

We had reservations for the Wax Museum at 2:30pm and Deb knew that The Sherlock Holmes Museum was just around the corner from Madame Tussaud's. We decided to go in the gift shop which had a selection of every thing from keychains to mystery books about Sherlock Holmes. Tickets were bought and we toured the home that Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson lived. It was really fun. Dr. Watson was kind enough to pose with Debbie for a picture in his study. I really loved the hats that you could buy. Another fun 'surprise' side trip in London.

Madame Tussaud's

Before we had left for our trip to London, my Mom suggested that we go to the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. She and my Dad had been there years ago. I kind of thought it was "too touristy" but I booked our tickets online and we went.

I was like a kid in a candy store. "Deb take my picture with Tom Cruise....Deb take my picture with Arnold....Deb....." Deb got sick of that pretty quick!

There are so many wax figures and everyone, sort of, takes turns getting pictures with them.

We saw everyone from Tiger Woods to the Queen and Prince Phillips.

The facility was huge and went on forever. Besides the wax figures, there was a 3D Superhero movie that was in a huge auditorium. Totally excellent. If that wasn't enough, there was also a Disney-like car ride. It takes the rider through a history of London.

A surprise hit on our trip to London. We highly recommend a visit.

Royal Wedding Newspaper Souvenir

Okay....so yesterday I may have under estimated the number of newspapers, with the Royal Wedding pictures, that I bought. Because today I also went out at 7am for the Sunday editions which were to have the souvenir inserts.

When I began going through them, I am embarrassed to say the stack in the pictures is what I am bringing home. I have two big bags of newspapers for recycling?

My name is Angela and I am a Royal Wedding Watcher.

It is quite overwhelming. Every paper, (and London has about 8 or more everyday, that you can purchase), has the pictures on the front! What to chose? And people in London, even at 7am, are snapping them up. Stores sold out on Saturday of the London Times. So when I found them, I bought a bunch.

Anywho.....I have a sufficient amount, I think, that I might downside again, I think, that I can save as tokens of this great event (along with ALL my other souvenirs).

Did I mention I may need another suitcase to go home? (Deb was right).

Sights in London

How does a person actually top what we have just witnessed for the last few days?

Well, they sleep in for one. Then buy 10 newspapers with the Wedding splashed on the front of all of them. Have a leisurely breakfast of smoked salmon on a baget with a cappuccino and orange juice at a cafe. And maybe a little stroll to Westminster Abbey for some last minute souveniers.

Deb had previously bought tickets to see "Billy Elliot." So we had a bit of time to wander around before the show. If you are in London, for 19 pounds, a three hour show, you must see "Billy Elliot." It is amazing.

After the show we made a mad dash, on the Tube, to a restaurant we found in our book, "1000 things to see before you die." The Oxo Tower Restaurant. It is on the 8th floor of neat building near Waterloo Bridge, on the Thames river. The view was great. Dinner was yummy.

We were able to walk all the way back to Westminster Bridge, along the promenade, beside the Thames river. There were funky stores, little cafes, a merry-go-round, a skate board park and the famous 'London Eye.' Really lovely, casual walk with tons of photo ops.

The London Eye, the Parliament buildings and Big Ben were all lit up. Stunning. My photos just do not do justice to those London sights.

We are now slowly winding down to the end of our fantastic trip to London. Walking around the city is our way of saying good-bye......until our next visit. And we will be back.

The Big Picture

This photo I took from our spot in front of Buckingham Palace. We were about 500 yards from the Palace. You can see from all the cameras that there were a lot of people also trying to get a picture.

This, to me, is the famous balcony scene, that I have seen for years when there is a reason for the Royals to make an appearance to the public.

The fact that I could see that with my own eyes, and not on television, was such a thrill for me. I just could not believe it. It is now my desktop picture on my computer.

Love it!

Fun people at the Royal Wedding

It is amazing how friendly people are at BIG functions. Neat people we may not meet in our little Northern Ontario town.

The young gal at the top, is a hostess at a Pub near Buckingham Palace. There was a huge party, celebrating the Royal Wedding, and she was a bit 'tipsy' while she was asking people to join in.

A woman, named Julia, camped out beside us at Buckingham Palace. I was beginning to think it was odd that she had a camera stuck in her face no matter what she was doing. I asked her twice if she was famous and she said no. However, she had a newspaper that had an entire article on her. She is a 'Royal Watcher' to the extreme. She has over 100,000 pictures, she has taken, of the Royals. The camera crew was from Austria and they were doing a bit of a 'reality show' all about her and her obsession with the Royals. She seemed normal to me. (I bought 10 newspapers today).

The next gal, in the fantastic dress, was twirling all over the place. Getting pictures taken with people. There were a great deal of people who came to Buckingham Palace dressed up.

The fellow being interviewed was Aaron from New York. He came over to talk with Deb and I when he saw our Canadian flags. He was really excited to be in London for the Wedding. He liked us so much, he came back the next day to see us after our all night camp out.

The last two gentlemen were the Belgium television crew who interviewed Debbie and I. They were fun. Only one small incident. They accidentally left one of their knapsacks in front of the barricade we were behind. But no one knew for sure it was theirs and we were concerned it may be suspicious! I didn't want to lose our spot, so we waited for a bit and sure enough they came back for it.

While Deb and I were taking a stroll down The Mall, to see all the other 'campers' the night before the Wedding, a couple, also strolling, initiated a conversation with us. They were interested that we had come so far to see the Wedding. We chatted with them for a few moments before they shared that the woman was Kate Middleton's cousin and the gentleman was her bodyguard! No kidding! She really looked similar to Kate and going out when it was dark, I suppose no one would recognize her. I would have loved to take her picture, but she asked us not to.

Some many people there from all over the world, and some as close as NewMarket, Ontario!

"The people you meet, while your walking down the street." Who knew?

More Royal Wedding Pictures

Are you tired yet of Royal Wedding Photos from London? Because you know that I would have lots......and lots.

The ceremonial uniforms were very impressive. My pictures cannot do justice to the enormity of the entire procession. The magnificent horses were amazing to watch. (Don't forget they have pooper scooper vehicles here in London)

The Queen is the last, before the Bride, to leave for Westminster Abbey. The crowd went 'mad' (as they say in London) when she went through in her limousine.

I was also able to catch a glance of one of the young bridesmaids on her way to Westminster Abbey. She looked surprised to see how many people were at Buckingham Palace. I just love the expression on her face.

As a matter of fact, I have had the same expression for the last week and I think I may have it for quite awhile.

The Royal Wedding Day is finally here

Okay...so I realize that everyone knew I was kidding about waiting for an Invitation to Kate & Will's Wedding? But, the experience we had, being in London, at Buckingham Palace for the Wedding of the Century, felt like we were guests to the Wedding.

As we sat at Buckingham Palace listening to Kate & Will's service on the huge speakers all around the Palace area, we were overwhelmed with how included we actually were. The crowds were silent while we listen to them saying their vows, joined in and sang along with the hymns, and erupted into huge cheers when they were announced as Man and Wife.

Unbelievable. We were able to get a few good pictures.

Kate and her father zipped by us on their way to Westminster Abbey in a beautiful, vintage car. She looked so regal and stunning waving to the crowds.

When the carriages arrived back at the Palace, Deb and I clicked away for that one great shot.

The 'kiss' on the Balcony is bittersweet. I was able to get this one, pretty good shot, but unfortunately, Debbie couldn't even see the Balcony with the million people that poured into the Palace area after they opened up for people to get to the gates of Buckingham Palace. Quite scary actually. We were behind the barricades and that kept us safe.

We celebrated the day by (after sleeping for 2 hours) having a delicious Indian dinner at 'The Cinnamon Club' near Westminster Abbey.

I bought every paper that already had the Royal Wedding pictures. I look forward to more tomorrow morning.....and souvenirs...I found a few.

Nuts I say, Nuts!

To all those who thought Deb and I were 'nuts' to camp out the night before the Royal Wedding at Buckingham Palace, you were right! But I must say 'NUTS' is the only way to have no regrets in Life. And I don't. It was an experience of a lifetime. We have sunburned faces, nearly got hypothermia during a really cold night outdoors and couldn't get to bathrooms except twice in 28 hrs....But you will still have to 'slap the smile off my face' because it was amazing.

We arrived at Buckingham Palace Thursday at 10:00am. The place was crowded with spectators for the Changing of the Guard. My first thought was we will never get a spot. BUT we did!

If you were standing facing Buckingham Palace, we were to the left of the Victoria Monument with a full view of Buckingham Palace Balcony, The path that Kate Middleton would take with her Father to the wedding at Westminster Abbey, as well as the carriages returning from the Wedding. I AM NOT KIDDING!!! We could not believe it.

If that weren't fantastic enough, we were interviewed by a Belgium TV station which I thought was hysterical. But then City TV correspondent, from Toronto, and his cameraman came over and also interviewed us! My Aunt Jacquie actually saw the interview on television in Ontario. OMG!!!!

Many Canadians came over throughout the day and night to meet us and say hi. We met great people from all over the world. One of which was the gentleman we are pictured with, Jim, from England, who looks a lot like Sean Connery. We sat beside each other for the whole 28 hour experience.

By dinner time, almost everything along the 'Mall" and around Buckingham Palace was full. But everyone was in such great spirits. Traffic and people continued to party until about 2 am. But we were up again at 4am for the actual Wedding Day......and that is my next Post......stay tuned.

I should have been a food critic

It isn't really about how great the food taste, but how it looks to me. Does that make sense? Probably only to those travellers who also take pictures of their food. I am pretty sure Deb is embarrassed when I pull out my camera, but I just can't help myself. I have hundreds of pictures of interesting and not so interesting plates of food.

Europe food has a wealth of photo ops for the choosing. Everything from the fruit in markets, to the fish in buckets near the sea. I'm not picky about food...except soggy food. BUT, I have discovered an amazing dessert in London and we have now had it 3 times. 'Sticky toffee pudding' But, it is a trick. It is not pudding at all but a soft, fruitcake with a carmel or butterscotch sauce around or on it. Ice cream on the side is an added bonus....but of course not frozen yoghurt...no..no..no...REALLY ICE CREAM!! Yippee for the Brits.

No trip to London would be without traditional Fish and Chips. Yummy! You can find it in every Pub. As well, 'Steak and Ale' pie is a staple in all the Pubs. Really fantastic especially with 'mushy peas' on the side.

For breakfast cappuccino, fruit smoothie and homemade porridge fills up the belly. Rick Steves, the travel guru, says "Europeans take breakfast as seriously as we take flossing." (I floss). I get his point though. Some sort of caffeine and a sweet pastry and they are off and running...in London Victoria Tube Station anyways.

The newest, best discovery in London, for us, is what is called 'SNOG.' I know...sounds horrid....but it is an organic, natural, frozen yoghurt, served with ANY kind of fruit or sweet topping. Deb and I had it with passion fruit, mangos and pineapples. OMG!!! Fantastic. I think it is only found here so far.

Never saw that in Italy....ooohhh...gelato.