Thursday, January 27, 2011

The End of Rome/London 2011

Today we took the City River Cruise from Westminster pier down to Greenwich.







Unfortunately, the Cutty Sark is undergoing renovation so I could not get a picture of it.
As we traveled through the park, it started to snow.





After a brief stop in what used to be the Royal Naval College, we hiked up the Greenwich Observatory. This is the place where the Prime Meridian passes through.



Here I am standing in both the Eastern and Western hemisphere.




One of the buildings at the Royal Observatory.

Then we took the cruise back to Westminster pier.

















Location:London

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Wednesday afternoon

From Green Park tube, it was a short walk to Buckingham Palace. The Queen was not in residence at the time. She has been in Sandringham.









Just around the corner is the Royal Mews.









While walking around the Royal Mews we saw the Royal helicopter landing next door at the Palace.





After a stop in a pub called The Bag O Nails near Victoria Station for some authentic cuisine, fish and chips.
Location:London

Wednesday morning

Our first stop today was the Tower of London.











Located in the Jewel House are the Crown Jewels. Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed.

Inside the grounds we stopped for hot chocolate and scones in the Armory Cafe.


From there we went to The Tower Bridge. Since we had our London Pass, we went up the elevator to the museum. The tour includes the engine room of the bridge, but we skipped that for another trip.














A view of the HMS Belfast from the top of the Tower Bridge.



Then we went to Churchill's Britain at War Experience. I didn't think it was as good as Churchill's War Rooms, but it was full of historical regalia and what it was like for Londoners during WWII.






From there we hoped on the Underground to Green Park station.
Location:London

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tuesday evening

From Windsor we took the trains to Westminster station and popped out right next to Big Ben.



Two blocks down was Winston Churchill's War Rooms. Our London Pass got us in for free, and unlike museums in Rome, they had a free audio tour.







Once done, we walked over to the Thames for a quick look at the London Eye and then went to diner at a place close to the hotel.

















Location:London

Tuesday morning

Started off today with a trip to Windsor Castle. We had planned on taking a bus out like mom did 10 years ago, but found out they have an express train. As soon as you exit the train station, Windsor castle stands towering over you.

















Most of the areas inside, like St. George's cathedral and the Royal apartments did not allow photos. Also, many areas we blocked off for filming in preparation for the Queen's jubilee next year.

One cool thing we saw was the changing of the guard. It lasted about 30 min. I took video on the iPhone and will have to upload it to YouTube when I get home.

The "old guard" waiting to be relieved.




As we waited we could hear a marching band approach with the "new guard".



The "new guard".


Location:London