London Sept 22

 We are actually now in Prague as I write this, we have been on the go so haven’t had time to write. 

On our 3rd day in London I had prebooked tickets for the Tower of London. It was built around 1060 and had been a palace, fortress and a prison where executions and imprisonments took place, lots of dark history. It also is where the Crown Jewels have been and continue to be kept. We got there and in line about 15 minutes before opening. After entering we went straight to the crown jewel exhibit and got right in. We were able to see the old crowns, orbs and sectors, even ones still worn today, such as the crowns King Charles and Camilla wore for his coronation. It was amazing to see these priceless piece, a well done exhibit. No photos allowed. Then we went to take a beefeater or yeoman tour, they are the guards of the tower, they along with their families actually live there. The tour group was HUGE! We did leave the tour about 1/2 way through, too many people to hear it very well. One young lady passed out and fell to the ground as the beefeater was describing in detail about a be heading! Ravens also act as guards here!

After we saw all we wanted we walked across Tower Bridge taking in the amazing views of London from the bridge. 

We had planned to explore Burrough Market and have lunch there but it was so crowded we really couldn’t even walk through. We got out of there are fast as we could! Stopped for lunch at Franco Mano, much more civilized than the market! But we did venture back to the very outskirts of the market for dessert! 

Hopped on the hop on hop off bus again because our 24 hour ticket still was good continuing on the rest of the route we had not done the day before. 

We got off and walked around SoHo and Convent gardens stopping into a few stores such as Fortnum and Masons, I was wishing I had some space in my suitcase! 

We were hoping to have dinner at Dishoom but already at 5:15 the line wrapped around the block. We found a kabob place and had a great dinner there instead. 

London- 21st

Once again Dave picks up and delivers breakfast from the sandwich shops next door. Today he went with Toast- which is basically a toasted breakfast sandwich, ham and cheese.

We took the tube to Victoria station for our Royal Day Out, which I purchased for entrance to Buckingham Palace, first we visited the Kings Gallery seeing portraits of the Royals over the years, then we toured the Royal mews, which is where they keep the horses and carriages. This was the only area where pictures were allowed. We saw all the spectacular carriages from the old historic ones that carried Royals on wedding days to the newest that was built for the Diamond Jubilee.

Last was seeing the state rooms in the palace, rooms that are used for ceremonial occasions and entertaining, they were spectacular. Highlight was seeing the throne room and the actual thrones where we have seen Queen Elizabeth and now King Charles and Camila sit for many special events and photos. The another highlight was the many special art pieces throughout such as paintings by Rembrandt and Rubins, sculptures by Canova. This tour is only available during a short period, mid summer through September. We had a snack of cake and ice cream, made from Windsor cows cream before we left.

My ankle was bothering by then so we bought tickets for the hop on hop off bus and road it to the stop that was close to where we are staying. It was the perfect way to get some site seeing in, and enjoy the wonderful weather from the top of a double decker bus.

After a little rest at our place sipping wine and eating crisps (local term for chips) we headed off to dinner after researching the options in our area. We enjoyed a great salad and bread at Franco Manca across the street from St Paul’s cathedral. It was exactly what we wanted and also enjoyed the night view of the lit up Cathedral on our walk back. We had a fabulous day!

London- 21st

Once again Dave picks up and delivers breakfast from the sandwich shops next door. Today he went with Toast- which is basically a toasted breakfast sandwich, ham and cheese.

We took the tube to Victoria station for our Royal Day Out, which I purchased for entrance to Buckingham Palace, first we visited the Kings Gallery seeing portraits of the Royals over the years, then we toured the Royal mews, which is where they keep the horses and carriages. This was the only area where pictures were allowed. We saw all the spectacular carriages from the old historic ones that carried Royals on wedding days to the newest that was built for the Diamond Jubilee.

Last was seeing the state rooms in the palace, rooms that are used for ceremonial occasions and entertaining, they were spectacular. Highlight was seeing the throne room and the actual thrones where we have seen Queen Elizabeth and now King Charles and Camila sit for many special events and photos. The another highlight was the many special art pieces throughout such as paintings by Rembrandt and Rubins, sculptures by Canova. This tour is only available during a short period, mid summer through September. We had a snack of cake and ice cream, made from Windsor cows cream before we left.

My ankle was bothering by then so we bought tickets for the hop on hop off bus and road it to the stop that was close to where we are staying. It was the perfect way to get some site seeing in, and enjoy the wonderful weather from the top of a double decker bus.

After a little rest at our place sipping wine and eating crisps (local term for chips) we headed off to dinner after researching the options in our area. We enjoyed a great salad and bread at Franco Manca across the street from St Paul’s cathedral. It was exactly what we wanted and also enjoyed the night view of the lit up Cathedral on our walk back. We had a fabulous day!