I think we saw everything
This is the Tuesday and Wednesday update.
Since the Changing of the Guards happens on even days, we made sure we were planted ourselves in front of Buckingham Palace in time to view the spectical. I think every other tourist was also there. The gurads marched in with appropriate marching music from the regimental band. Next came the horses guards. After much ceremonial marching back and forth everything stopped for a while. The band next set up music stands and they started a rendition of Broadway Show Music. By this time we decided we had enough.
During a two month summer period, the Queen is not in residence in Buckingham Palace. This being the case, the State Rooms are open to the public. We couldn’t miss this. After a through searching of our personal bags (and or course paying a requisite entry fee) we started on the tour. The Palace is beyond belief. Each room is spectacular and grand. The art, which is everywhere, is gorgeous. This tour was worth the add on to the itinerary. Of course, there was a gift shop at the end of the tour where you were encouraged to spend more money.
Next, we were off to Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is one huge indoor cemetery, within a church. By this time we were so tired that all was somewhat lost. But, we were there. We skipped the gift shop.
We headed back to the hoted and decided we needed to do some laundry. It has been a long time since Lynda and I have used a Laundromat. I think at that time it used to run about 25 cents per load. Here a load cost 2.60 pounds (about $5.25 per load). Drying is a bargin - only 20p for four minutes (about 10 cents per minute). About 2 pounds later all was generally done. Times have certainly changed.
This is our final day in London. The time has gone by fast. Today we started with the British Museum. This museum dates ancient history - from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans. It also covers early civilizations of the British Isles. The museum covers about fifteen acres. We didn't even try to see it all. We spent about three hours here and said - enough is enough.
We were not too far from Covant Gardens. This was a collection of open air and regular shops. It was very interesting, but we did not spend too much time here.
In the book The Di Vinci Code a scene takes place in Temple Church. This church houses burial plots of Crusader Knights (Knights Templar). After much wandering around we were able to find this hidden church. It dates to the 13th century. I am glad we found it.
My sister insisted that we go to Fortnum & Mason for a high tea. Well, we took the tube to Piccadilly Circus and found the place. Fortnum & Mason has every expensive food item you can find. We made it up to the fourth floor to the tea room. After looking at the price of 22 pounds per person for tea, we decided that this might be a tad expensive - even for London prices.
We finally returned to our hotel and collapsed; and are now packing for the next leg of our trip - Ireland. While I have been writing this blog, Lynda has given the Trouser Press a try. She said she still prefers a good old ironing board.
Cheers,
T&T
Since the Changing of the Guards happens on even days, we made sure we were planted ourselves in front of Buckingham Palace in time to view the spectical. I think every other tourist was also there. The gurads marched in with appropriate marching music from the regimental band. Next came the horses guards. After much ceremonial marching back and forth everything stopped for a while. The band next set up music stands and they started a rendition of Broadway Show Music. By this time we decided we had enough.
During a two month summer period, the Queen is not in residence in Buckingham Palace. This being the case, the State Rooms are open to the public. We couldn’t miss this. After a through searching of our personal bags (and or course paying a requisite entry fee) we started on the tour. The Palace is beyond belief. Each room is spectacular and grand. The art, which is everywhere, is gorgeous. This tour was worth the add on to the itinerary. Of course, there was a gift shop at the end of the tour where you were encouraged to spend more money.
Next, we were off to Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is one huge indoor cemetery, within a church. By this time we were so tired that all was somewhat lost. But, we were there. We skipped the gift shop.
We headed back to the hoted and decided we needed to do some laundry. It has been a long time since Lynda and I have used a Laundromat. I think at that time it used to run about 25 cents per load. Here a load cost 2.60 pounds (about $5.25 per load). Drying is a bargin - only 20p for four minutes (about 10 cents per minute). About 2 pounds later all was generally done. Times have certainly changed.
This is our final day in London. The time has gone by fast. Today we started with the British Museum. This museum dates ancient history - from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans. It also covers early civilizations of the British Isles. The museum covers about fifteen acres. We didn't even try to see it all. We spent about three hours here and said - enough is enough.
We were not too far from Covant Gardens. This was a collection of open air and regular shops. It was very interesting, but we did not spend too much time here.
In the book The Di Vinci Code a scene takes place in Temple Church. This church houses burial plots of Crusader Knights (Knights Templar). After much wandering around we were able to find this hidden church. It dates to the 13th century. I am glad we found it.
My sister insisted that we go to Fortnum & Mason for a high tea. Well, we took the tube to Piccadilly Circus and found the place. Fortnum & Mason has every expensive food item you can find. We made it up to the fourth floor to the tea room. After looking at the price of 22 pounds per person for tea, we decided that this might be a tad expensive - even for London prices.
We finally returned to our hotel and collapsed; and are now packing for the next leg of our trip - Ireland. While I have been writing this blog, Lynda has given the Trouser Press a try. She said she still prefers a good old ironing board.
Cheers,
T&T
posted by Toot and Teaser | 12:58 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home