London & Paris Travel Journal: DAY 3 -(LONDON)

MORNING:

Wake up rested- sleep like a rock. The bed, lavender sheet spray and the essential oils I put on my eye mask seemed to do the trick.

Our first breakfast in London at the hotel was very pleasant. Everyone was to meet in the cafe at 8 a.m. There was plenty of variety and food for everyone to enjoy. I ate fresh fruit, peach yogurt, bran flakes, and coffee (Cafe Latte-stronger taste with more caffeine punch than I am used to).

We finished around 8:30 and loaded up on the coach bus to begin touring for the day. Need our jackets, and umbrellas again today. Cool temperatures and damp weather make it feel pretty chilly. Even though it is cool, it is good news to find out our Mercedes bus has a/c still will need the airflow.

Our guide is a very busy person, juggling schedule changes and another group from California due to arrive, which had been delayed by one day due to missing their connecting flight.

Everyone from Louisiana, Texas, and now California was loaded onto the bus. The 5 members from California barely had time to breath, they went from the airport to the hotel, dropped off their luggage and hopped onto our bus.

Plans were changed for the day. Originally we were to see Buckinham Palace first, but today was the annual event where the Queen travels from the House of Lords to the House of Commons. Therefore, the area was blocked from visitors. We would try to see Buckingham Palace later that day when these events are over.

traffic view from our bus

We picked up another tour guide for today, Barry. He is a storyteller with a theatrical flare. Quite entertaining and knowledgable. He told us the trip would only take about an hour from the hotel to Winsor Castle.

Even these seasoned guides were caught off guard by the heavy traffic, mostly it was gridlocked. Almost 4 hours from the time we left, one of the California ladies needed to use the bathroom facilities. Since we hardly were moving, she suggested those who needed the toilets get off the bus and then get back on.

I decided I should take this opportunity, because no one was sure how much longer we would be traveling and when the next opportunity would arise for a bathroom break. Several others had the same idea.

We all hopped off the bus thinking the pub just up the street would be the closest toilette. Unfortunately for us businesses were closed due to the event. So in a quick scan of the area, one person finds a Days Inn hotel and we quick run into the lobby. The ladies behind the desk accommodate our needs. The bus parks just a little way from where we left it and we get on.

It was a good thing we took this opportunity, because our one hour trip took 5-1/2 hours.

To entertain us Barry would tell us fun facts including how did the custom driving on the left side of the road start. He explained it was during the horse and carriage age. Drivers would hold whips in their right hands and so as not to hurt passersby they would use the left side of the road.

We passed by the Tower of London. We learned the moat was drained due to a large Cholera outbreak. Almost the whole town of London burned down beginning with the King's Bakery. There now is a monument tower to remember the event.

Tower of London

As we passed the contemporary building named Cheese Grater, we were told a funny story. A few years ago the sun reflected off the roof top in such a way a Jaquar car parked along the street caught on fire.

LATE AFTERNOON:

click on Windsor Castle History

We finally arrive at Windsor Castle. It is so massive of a structure. The grounds make a city unto themselves. Once we get through security that is much like the airport, my attention is directed to the garden area where normally water would be filling the moat

security checks

entrance

walkway

one of the many towers

moat area

moat garden

Ironic how commercialism takes over. We found ourselves in a mall shopping area just like a Outlet mall in the States. The food court was also familiar. We stopped for lunch. I had a tuna and corn sandwich (I fell in love with this sandwich while in Scotland), with ice tea (in England means is a bottled Lipton tea that has been refrigerated, no ice) and a yummy chocolate brownie.

Finally get deeper inside of the castle, it was breathtaking. Unfortunately we were not able to take any photos. The Royal family did live a larger than life existence. Even the little Princesses toys were amazing. They were to prepare them for life as a Queen.

One special doll house was about 5' w x 8' h. It had running water and electricity. The cars parked in the garage were Royal Royces, the dishes were sterling silver and there was even an exact replica of the Crown Jewels.

Their dress up dolls were no exception. It was similar to the American Girl doll series that my own daughters played with, but with life size dolls (about 4'tall). The dresses were so ornate and beautiful.

Another everyday extravagance were the Royal dishes. Some of these designs I have seen in America as replicas, but they don't come close to the beautiful originals.

The artwork was just as extraordinary and interesting. It did help to have our own Art Historian professor along to give us insight as to what we were viewing.

I was disappointed not to have left the Castle in enough time to see the Cathedral before it closed at 4p.m. So I decided to walk the grounds trying and imagine what it would be like to have the extraordinary life these people had.
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view of the city below

I missed the Cathedral viewing, but not the changing of the guard. I read is required by the Queen every hour.

click on History of Changing of the Guard

me with a guard

Our final meeting place was the restaurant where we ate lunch. These two cute dogs were visiting with their masters. They reminded me of my Granddog, Call.

We head back to London to see Buckingham Palace. We have to walk from the Tube through a wonderful park called Green Park. We notice how the chairs are chained and not free for public use, a fee is required.

EARLY EVENING:

click on History of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is not as large as I thought it would be. Especially the balcony that is shown quite frequently with the Royals standing to announce weddings, or births. When the flag is up that signals the Queen is in residence. Two in our group were fortunate enough to see the Queen pass by in her caravan of cars. She was probably leaving for France and the Normandy celebrations.

These guards are so still they don't look real

There is a wonderful fountain right across from these gates. I was disappointed I did not take a photo of it. Each sculptured figure has a lot of symbolism.

LATE EVENING:
Each of the groups goes their own way for dinner. Our group decides they would like to try Indian food in Soho. We find the restaurant after lots of walking, but it will take 1-1/2 hours before being seated. We decide to try Chinese food in China town. Mr. Woo's is where we decide to eat. Groups are seated upstairs. I have a fried chicken with seasonal vegetable dish. First time I did not have to ask about no MSG, many food establishments do not use it and prepare more organic, natural foods. Smaller portions are served than in the States. I am the only one who orders bottled water, I am not sure how my stomach will do with the local tap water here. Disappointed no Fortune Cookies are given, I always look for the message. In fact, I received one the day before my Tuition Award on campus saying I would shortly get a surprise gift.

Notice I have more foot and leg swelling in the evening. Developing some other foot problems like a blister. We walk toward our Tube station stopping to look around some of the area, reminds me a lot of New Yorks's Time Square area, before heading back to the hotel. We arrive around 10:30 p.m.