What to do on a sunny day?
Clear skies, and a breezy day - the perfect time to go to Notting Hill and the Portobello Market. It was an unbelievable crush of humanity with a load of over priced merchandise. However, it was interesting to walk through. So many different types of people with so many different accents. There was everything thing from antique silver to tacky tee shirts and fresh fish. We enjoyed people watching and seeing the collection of "stuff". After walking the entire length (a couple of miles) we hopped on a tube and went across the city to the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben.
This weekend, there was a special tour of the Parliament chambers. Our guide from the Pub walk told us about the special days. We were glad that we took her advice. The chambers are a sight to see. The gold gilding and art is spectacular. However, we couldn't sit down of any of the chairs that are regularly used by the House of Lords & House of Commons. They are very particular on who sits on the various benches or chairs and our rear ends didn't qualify. Also, while the house of Lords has over 400 members and the House of Commons has over 600 members, neither chamber has enough seats for all of its members. So, if you come late, you were out of luck.
The House of commons is the only group that really has any power to make or enact laws. Howard asked why even have the House of Lords especially since the House of Commons can ignore any of the suggestions from the House of Lords. The answer was - it's tradition. The MP's in the House of Commons always vote with their party. It is frowned upon to break with the party line. I think our system is much better. Of course, you wouldn't convince the British of that. All things aside, the building, art, and furnishings are really a sight to see.
We left Parliament square and found Churchill's underground War Room and bunker. This was fascinating. It is a wonderful collection of memorabilia. We spent a couple of hours here. Finally went on a walk about toward Covant Garden. We had heard of a special Belgium restaurant that specialized in muscles. Howard was excited since our ability to get good seafood is limited. We wandered around, and around and somehow, lost the address of the restaurant. Internet cafe's to the rescue. Looked it up again on the Internet and finally managed to find the restaurant. Great meal - a liter pail with over 60 muscles sitting in a tasty broth. I even ate some which is really saying something as I normally shy away from the things. Ended up walking some more and ran across the Covant Gardens market square. Things were closing up, but it is definitely a place we will have to revisit.
We finally made it back to the hotel and once again collapsed. Our feet don't feel like they belong to us. I think we both are starting to develop shin splints.
We have come to a couple of conclusions about the British. They love steps. The go up and they go down and just when you think you are finished, they start up again. They are found going up and down in official buildings, museums, undergrounds, shops and around every corner it seemed. Not just a few steps, but large flights of stairs. The other thing is that every little museum or special area has a gift shop attached to it.
Cheers,
T&T
This weekend, there was a special tour of the Parliament chambers. Our guide from the Pub walk told us about the special days. We were glad that we took her advice. The chambers are a sight to see. The gold gilding and art is spectacular. However, we couldn't sit down of any of the chairs that are regularly used by the House of Lords & House of Commons. They are very particular on who sits on the various benches or chairs and our rear ends didn't qualify. Also, while the house of Lords has over 400 members and the House of Commons has over 600 members, neither chamber has enough seats for all of its members. So, if you come late, you were out of luck.
The House of commons is the only group that really has any power to make or enact laws. Howard asked why even have the House of Lords especially since the House of Commons can ignore any of the suggestions from the House of Lords. The answer was - it's tradition. The MP's in the House of Commons always vote with their party. It is frowned upon to break with the party line. I think our system is much better. Of course, you wouldn't convince the British of that. All things aside, the building, art, and furnishings are really a sight to see.
We left Parliament square and found Churchill's underground War Room and bunker. This was fascinating. It is a wonderful collection of memorabilia. We spent a couple of hours here. Finally went on a walk about toward Covant Garden. We had heard of a special Belgium restaurant that specialized in muscles. Howard was excited since our ability to get good seafood is limited. We wandered around, and around and somehow, lost the address of the restaurant. Internet cafe's to the rescue. Looked it up again on the Internet and finally managed to find the restaurant. Great meal - a liter pail with over 60 muscles sitting in a tasty broth. I even ate some which is really saying something as I normally shy away from the things. Ended up walking some more and ran across the Covant Gardens market square. Things were closing up, but it is definitely a place we will have to revisit.
We finally made it back to the hotel and once again collapsed. Our feet don't feel like they belong to us. I think we both are starting to develop shin splints.
We have come to a couple of conclusions about the British. They love steps. The go up and they go down and just when you think you are finished, they start up again. They are found going up and down in official buildings, museums, undergrounds, shops and around every corner it seemed. Not just a few steps, but large flights of stairs. The other thing is that every little museum or special area has a gift shop attached to it.
Cheers,
T&T
posted by Toot and Teaser | 12:29 PM
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