Cheers London

As many of you know, Tim is determined to enjoy a glass of ale in all the countries we visit. London, England didn't disappoint. 

Last night at an authentic British pub.

The Bell Tavern tonight.

We also enjoyed some traditional  British fare: fish and chips and pot pie. 

We were to leave at 5:30 a.m. tomorrow  morning for a ferry crossing at Calais. Today, there was some labour unrest, and workers have blocked all travel accross the Channel. Our travel plans have been changed as a result. We are now leaving at 6:30 (which is okay), but we wonder what tomorrow will bring, and how our travel plans will be affected!

More sightseeing!

This afternoon, we took a river cruise up the Thames and got off at the Tower of London. It is quite a place, construction began in 1066! Many scoundrels were kept there over the years, as well as housing the Crown Jewels, and the Royal Menagerie (a zoo).

This was the part that is 1000 years old-Whitehall Tower.

And Tim thought he was a "beefeater", here is the original.

Select your armoured breastplate!

This knight was happy to see me!

Here are the windows used to deffend the towers, using arrows.

The landmark "Tower Bridge" of London. 

This is Shakespeare's Globe Theatre...well, a rebuilt replica at least, I believe built at the same location as the original! It has a thatched roof. 

Tonight, we took a ride on the London Eye. This is a 400 foot enclosed Ferris wheel over the Thames.

Hah, I was the one who wanted to go, I changed my mind once we got going!

Big Ben from 400 feet above.

Lit up at night.

London City

We were on a guided tour of London this morning. It is a large, vibrant, old busy city. 

We are crossing the Thames on the London Bridge looking up at the Tower Bridge.

Westminster Abby. Every monarch for the last 950 years has been crowned here.

Big Ben and the iconic "call boxes" in the foreground.

The official resident of British Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street. It is the small grey house in the back right. Kind of unimpressive huh? The police presence wielding automatic rifles out in front made more of a statement!

We saw 2 changing of the guard ceremonies this morning.  One was at Buckingham Castle. It was packed (and out tour guide thought there were way fewer people than normal. School is still in here!)

We made it!

We are in line to go through customs at Heathrow! The airplane ride was great, very smooth, it was hard to sleep though. 

Here is our first view of the continent!

Wow, what a day!

We are exhausted! (And it is only 5:00!) we have seen Big Ben, the River Thames, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Churchill's War room, and we are currently at the National Gallery. Our hotel for the next two nights is close to the London Eye, and within walking distance of lots of sights. We will sleep very soundly tonight!

The London Eye

Trafalgar Square

Tim thought this shot was funny!

Buckingham Palace- the Queen was too shy to have her photo taken, I had to make do with the groundskeepers!

Our Adventure Begins!

Well, departure day has arrived. We are currently at the airport. No turning back now! It is rainy and cool here, we have checked the weather for London and our next destination, Brussels. it is to be sunny and HOT in the coming days. 37 degrees for Brussels!  Yikes!!!!

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