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.

We would have lost our heads

It is a really weird thing about visiting Hampton Court Palace. It is one the most beautiful and impressive castles we have seen. So much history...500 years ago, King Henry VIII and his 6 wives and children lived in these walls. The gardens are spacious, colorful and extremely well kept.

But on the other hand......A great deal of sad times for woman. Two of his wives were beheaded, two divorced (lucky them) one died and one was left still standing when he died.....(sheer luck again). Deb and I both agree that we would have been in the Tower of London waiting for the 'axe to fall' because we would be hard pressed to not 'share our feelings' if we felt wronged, which I am sure wouldn't be wise.

For all that, it is still a 'must see' if you are in London.

Almost Famous

Well, the good news or the bad news?

Deb and I missed the Wedding Rehearsal of Kate and Will at Westminster Abbey by ONE night! I can't believe it.

But on the upside, we were there when the flowers were being delivered and that made the front of the newspaper today. So close to being on the front page....We stood to the right of this door to Westminster Abbey.

Thank God we are famous in Canada or I would feel snubbed.

Afternoon Tea

But Deb doesn't even like tea? But how could you turn down a great opportunity to relax in a beautiful, quiet, serene place to enjoy one of life's greatest treats,

Afternoon Tea. It is absolutely decadent. Our experience at the Capital Hotel did not disappoint. I booked us online before we left Canada. Funny because when we arrived, there was only two other tables occupied.

Our tea had a bottomless pot. The sandwiches had the crust cut off.....how fantastic is that.

The sweets were to die for. They were plentiful. We spent about two hours there away from the hectic, crowded streets of London. Harrod's was just around the corner and EVERYONE was looking for souveniers today.

Afternoon tea can range from 9 UK dollars to 50 Uk dollars....for tea and sweets?

But we have managed to enjoy this very English tradition a few times and there is ALWAYS an affordable option.

A Peek Inside Westminster Abbey

No bride wants all her plans for her Wedding Day to be known before hand. There has to be some surprises.

I bet Kate and Will would not mind letting you have a glimpse of the inside of Westminster Abbey with some of the Flower/tree decorations that we witnessed today.

Just to wet your appetite!

Flowers for the Wedding

Timing is everything. Being at the right place at the right time. And so my story begins....

When we arrived at the Westminster Abbey Gift Shop at 5:30pm and realized after a huge, long, tiring trek via the Tube, that it was CLOSED we freaked....quietly...

We bought a couple of things there the day before, but it was closing for the night and we were being rushed out. We knew we would return. Oops!

But alas, it was 'divine intervention' because 'something' was about to happen. A crowd had started to congregate in front of the entrance to Westminster Abbey? There was roping off of the area and people were being detoured around the taped area.

The rumour was 'Kate and Will were arriving at 6:30pm for the Wedding Rehearsal?' You have got to be kidding me!! OMG!!!

Camera men were all around. Everyone waiting for the arrival.

I could not believe it. We were so excited.

Soon, trucks started to arrive. The flowers, or I should say, TREES, were being delivered for the Wedding. Yes, trees! Some flowered, but mostly green.

We spent 3 hours watching these people take these into Westminster Abbey. They were wrapped with purple ribbon......Guess who has a piece of the purple ribbon and leaves from the trees???? Oh yeah! I asked the woman very nicely, who seemed to be in charge, and she gave me a string of ribbon. The leaf came to me...

Anyways, long story short, no Wedding Rehearsal tonight. Oh well.

But it was still great as we met a gal from France who is in London for the Wedding. She and I proudly showed off our treasures in front of Westminster Abbey. As well, we met a family from Sarnia, Ontario.

And everyone in the crowd had ideas about where the BEST spot is to wait for the Wedding.......I think we are going back to Buckingham Palace?

"If a man tires of London, he tires of Life"

Four crazy, jam packed days were the extent of our last trip to London. We accomplished so much, but we were completed exhausted for the rest of that vacation.

This trip we have 9 glorious days to, again, discover more of London, England.

Walking this city is fantastic. Today we walked from Covent Gardens, through Leicester Square, crossing Trafalgar Square and again past through Westminster area.

Double decker buses and black cabs everywhere. We are always trying to remember when crossing the street to look RIGHT, then LEFT or you will be run down....they are still driving on the wrong side of the road!!!

Surrounded by the incredible smells of an array of multicultural food that you must try from typical Pub type eating, authentic England fare to Lebanese food. London also has many Indian restaurants and as a matter of fact we have reservations for an Indian restaurant, the day of the Wedding, called 'The Cinnamon Club.'

There are many examples of people doing their own thing, from soliciting money by standing so perfectly still, that you think they are statues in Piccadilly Circus to a very heated Libyan demonstration on Whitehall Road around the corner from Westminster Abbey.

Pictures above include the London Eye on the Thames River. With fantastic views from the top.The National History Museum. A big old Lion to climb at Trafalgar Square. Part of the Changing of the Guard. And can you believe, they even crown some of their street lamps!