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Thursday, August 31, 2006
We arrived Thursday morning about 8 AM after an 8 hour flight from Dallas. That would be midnight Wednesday on California time. The flight was mostly smooth and went by quite quickly. Even though we were jet lagged, we pushed on and found a train from Gatwick airport to Victoria Station in London.
After buying tickets we got on the train. Thinking we were doing well we sat down in a couple nice seats until the train attendant told us we were in first class with steerage class tickets. We just upgraded with a couple of pounds and enjoyed our ride to London with a cup of onboard Starbucks coffee!
Victoria Station is like Grand Central in New York except much older. You can almost imagine all those young soldiers heading off to WWII. From the station to our hotel via taxi.
After checking in to our room, jet lag hit. After a nap or two we went out to explore and have dinner. Found the local Underground station (Earls Court) and returned to the hotel for a rest. Dinner was at a local restaurant.
I found it much easier to use the Kodak Gallery for sharing photo's than this site. If you are so inclined or interested you can click HERE for photos.
Friday 1 September 2006
Early start. Took the metro to ride the London Eye and then the Thames river cruise. The tube was full, but a young lady (20's) sitting in the disabled or elderly seating stood up and offered Jean her seat. I thought it was very nice of her, Jean still isn't over it!
Rode the London Eye, did the Thames cruise, walked by Parliament and Big Ben, went to the Churchill underground war rooms and museum. Then we toured Westminster Abby and returned via the tube.
Dinner was at the Blackbird, a nearby pub. I had Bangers and Mash, Jean had Steak and Stilton pie.
Saturday 2 September 2006
Took the tube to Buckingham Palace and watched the changing of the guard. We had front row against the front gate. Impressive pagentry. Walked to Trafalgar Square, had lunch and walked to 10 Downing Street. Then we took the tube to the Tower of London. It was really awesome. Not only because of the history, but we got to see the crown jewels. Now that's jewelry.
We returned to the hotel, rested and headed out for Picadilly Circus for the play, Momma Mia (via the tube, you get the routine now). Jean had somehow reserved the best seats in the house. Front row, balcony. Great show, but hot, hot, hot. Picadilly Circus was very crowded.
Sunday 3 September 2006
Slept in till 10 AM, recharge day. Went to Harrods and watched all the Shieks purchasing outrageously priced merchandise. They even had a whole area set aside for middle easterners to arrange for exporting their purchases. Burkas are still in fashion over here but I couldn't convine Jean to wear one. Wonderful Afternoon Tea at the Terrace Ba r.
Rode a double decker bus for an hour and just relaxed. Drove by speakers corner in Hyde Park, Nottinghill area and other familiar sounding locations.
We decided to stay at our hotel two extra days instead of renting a car and driving around the countryside. Too much to see here!
That's it for now, back in the room, feet up, writing in this blog. Ta Ta for now.
Monday 4 September 2006
Took a bus tour to Stonehenge, lunch at a pub somewhere in the English countryside, and then onto Bath.
We actually met the bus tour at Windsor Castle just outside of London. We opted for the late start group and just caught up with them. After the Tower of London, which is a castle, they all start to look pretty much the same. Keep in mind; this is only Jim’s opinion.
Stonehenge was unique but not really spectacular. Large rocks standing on end in an open field.
Bath was amazing. It was not only the hot springs the Romans used, but the city is unbelievable! That has to be a major “to see and do” on anybody’s trip to London!
We got back about 9PM and called it a day. Last night in London.
previous travel blog entry
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