An overnite 8 hour plane ride to Heathrow airport on outskirts of London was the beginning of our journey. Boarded a commuter train, then transferred to the 'tube' (subway)which deposited us at Millennium Gloucester Hotel where we are staying. Got settled in to our room, rested a bit and then took a long walk. We are in a residential neighborhood dotted with an area of typical English shops and architecture.
Harrod's Dept. Store was our first stop today. All types of merchandise but I especially liked the all the separate food areas - so much variety and type from all over the world - the displays were like works of art. Harrod's has to be at the top of the heap when it comes to merchandising. Everything you could possibly think of is sold there.
After sensory overload at Harrod's we hopped on to the tube. It stops at stations called Gloucester Road, Notting Hill Gate, Sloane Square, Charing Cross, Paddington to name a few. It's fast, efficient and used by Londoners and tourists in all walks of life.
Our next stop was to see Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey. Even tho they are only buildings, I thought about all the history connected with them. These buildings survived the bombing of London during WWII. Seeing them up close I was struck by the detail and workmanship involved. They are much bigger when standing in front of them. I told Kristin it was worth the whole trip to me to see those buildings. These historical buildings are all within a stone's throw of each other but since they are so big it took us a while to walk around and look at them. We also went inside a church adjacent to Westminster Abbey called St. Margaret's - it was built in about 1100. Lots of people buried in the walls from over the centuries.
Next we walked and walked along the Thames river - saw the London Eye across the river- it moves VERY slowly in the course of 45 minutes. Which leaves a person about 30 seconds to hop on or off because it keeps going.
we took the 'tube' back to our hotel again to rest for a while. Then we walked to Hyde Park and walked all thru the grounds - the Peter Pan statue was a big draw for everyone. Kensington Palace is also located on those grounds (where Queen Victoria was born).
Some random observations: traffic is intense and since cars go opposite of what we're used to, I have to keep very alert - it's easy to forget and that would be deadly; the taxi cabs are quaint and cute; there are Bobbies (police) everywhere near Parliament; people actually live in very old dwellings and they're beautiful; charming cobble stone side streets with flower lined boxes in front of old row houses.
Kristin is the picture taker - she has put those pictures on a separate website: http://kristineurope2009.shutterfuly.com/#
The adventure continues tomorrow...Joyce
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3 comments:
An 8 hour plane ride is a bummer but it sounds well worth it. How exciting, all that history. You guys hit the ground running, I can't believe all the things you've done already. Harrods sounds like the greatest store ever, I can't even imagine a store that grand. I've always imagined how magnificent the buildings must be, and from your descriptions they are that and more. And the cobble stone streets and window boxes sound so pretty.
How is the food? I know when you travel food varies quite a bit. What are some of the more popular dishes? Is their food spicy or bland?
I've tried to access the website for Kristins pictures and it brought me back to this website. Maybe I did it wrong, I'll try again tomorrow.
Get plenty of rest, I can't wait till you post again....Diane
Loved all your pictures and your descriptions of what you've seen and done. What beautiful architecture! I especially loved the pic of Joyce with the "Beefeater Gin" guys! Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. Keep us posted!
Thanks for the link to the pictures, they are great!!!!!
Kristin is some photographer, Nation Geographic quality. Can't wait for part two.....Diane
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