Ok so it has been a little while since my last post about the trip, life got in the way. Where did I leave off, oh yes I remember we toured The HMS Belfast which was fascinating with a long history which started in 1939 and continued until 1963. We wandered all around the ship and were able to see the different aspects of ship life. Next we went across to the Tower of London and spent several hours exploring the different buildings including a visit to the Crown Jewels. We stopped for Fish and Chips at a stand outside the Tower where we met a young lady from Italy who was visiting London to watch her father run in the London Marathon. After some pleasant conversation and a decent lunch we decided to jump on the tube and head for Big Ben.
Upon arriving at Parliament we discovered due to the marathon a good portion of the streets downtown were closed to vehicles. When else can you walk down the middle of Westminster Bridge and take pictures of the Parliament Buildings. We decided to walk and see the sights. We headed across the river and headed down Whitehall towards Trafalgar Square. along the way we stopped at Downing Street and Horse Guards Parade where the Trooping of the Color is held each year. Next we walked down The Mall and through Admiralty Arch and into Trafalgar Square.
Continue reading 'The Trip: London Part 2'»
Since I was unable to post effectively while I was on the trip I have decided to post about the highlights from each place and include a few pictures to tease while I get the rest of the pictures ready for the web.
We arrived in London about 2 hours late as our flight was about 2 hours late, maybe a pattern but we shall see later. On arrival at our hotel, The London Bridge Hotel we immediately set out in search of a pub for food and a pint. Very soon we determined that most pubs do not serve food on Saturday nights so onto plan B which was find someplace to eat. Soon enough we came upon the aptly named restaurant Fish. Where we had a Fish and Chips meal which included Mushy Peas, an acquired taste I am guessing.
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Upon our arrival in London we had discovered that Sunday which would be our first full day in London, the London Marathon was taking place. As we did not want to compete with the crowds we decided that we would visit the attractions within walking distance from our hotel, the HMS Belfast and the Tower of London. Sunday started out a little grey with the chance of showers expected sometime during the day. We had a full English breakfast in the hotel and then headed out to visit the HMS Belfast a World War 2 cruiser which is a floating museum on the River Thames. As the Belfast was not open we took a walk to the Tower Bridge and discovered the bridge was the 20km mark for the marathon. We joined the crowds and cheered on the runners.
Ran into a computer problem, my laptop has decided to take a holiday of its own and stop working. So I am a little behind.
London was great and while we walked our feet off we did get to see lots of great sites and met some interesting people at the same time. We went to see the Changing of the Guard on Monday only to be told it was only every second day so off we went to visit the Churchill War Rooms and the London Eye with a side trip to Westminister Abbey.
Tuesday we jetted off to Morocco and landed first in Casablanca and then flew onto Tanger. Tanger has the exotic feel you would think it has with the right mix of new and old. On Wednesday we spent the day with our driver Moustafa and our guide Sayed who regaled us with tales of old while we visited Cape Spartel, the Caves of Hercules, the Medina and the Kasbah (More tales complete with pictures coming soon). On Wednesday night we ate in a traditional Moroccan restaurant with Moroccan music and of course a belly dancer.
Friday begins our Spanish adventure with a trip to Toledo.
We Made It! The flight was delayed 2 hours but we made to London and had a full day on Sunday. With visits to the Tower of London, with some very interesting instruments of torture and a very informative visit to the HMS Belfast a WW2 Cruiser which saw action in the Korea Campaign as well. After a tradional Fish and Chip lunch it was off to Big Ben and the London Eye. We walked from Westminister to Picadilly Circus and took in all the incredible sites. Having a great time, today is the Changing of the Gurad at Buckingham Palace and Westminister Abbey and a visit to Harrods. More to come!
The day has arrived and there was much rejoicing Yaa Yippee Yeehaw! (That’s the rejoicing) But that is not the only exciting news, Wednesday I got a call from my doctor to meet her at the hospital on Thursday and ……..get my cast taken off. Yes you read correctly I have the pleasure to annouce I no longer have a cast and it looks like my wrist has healed quite nicely. As I was laying on the hospital gurney getting the cast cut off and as I felt the cool air hit my skin my first thought was to yell out FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!! but I did not I just thought about it. So now I get to enjoy all that Europe and Morocco have to offer without that damn cast! Stay Tuned the next broadcast will be brought to you from London!
I just got back from Kelowna where I took Tara to my good friends who will be looking after her while I am away on my great adventure. I find I walk around the house and talk to her only to discover she is not here. Makes me appreciate having her around even more.
Friday is creeping up on us fast. I have been finalizing the packing and looking at the travel sites as I prepare for the trip. It is hard to believe that on Saturday we will be in London visting the Tower of London and enjoying a good pub meal and some beer. I guess as the week goes on it will hard to contain the excitement, I can only hope I get good news on Thursday when I get my next x-ray for my wrist. Say a little prayer for me and send me some good vibes and hopefully I will be able to get rid of this cast.
The plan for London is to spend Sunday seeing the Changing of the Guard, Guards Museum, War Cabinet Rooms, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly Circus. As we want to be flexible we may change around the schedule if we find other things to visit. Maybe a bus tour if the weather is alright and it meets our fancy. Monday we are going to St Paul’s Cathedral, Harrod’s, and a trip in the London Eye. Around our hotel, The London Bridge Hotel is several things we will visit such as the HMS Belfast, Southwark Cathedral and The Tower of London. Oh well 5 more sleeps!
First I have to admit even though I am not liking having a cast I am at least adjusting. Having said that I will be celebrating when I can get this damn thing off my arm.
It is getting close to D day (D stands for Departure), next Friday we wing our way to London. It is hard to restrain my enthusiasm while I make final preparations and start packing for the adventure. Along with the final prep for the trip I am also awaiting delivery of my 2008 VW Touareg. Hard not to be excited about all the good things happening in my life.
I am not going to commit to this but my plan is to try and blog at the end of each day and let everyone know what we did during the day. I will also put up a picture or two.
Something occurred to me today and for the life of me I do not know why this did not come to me sooner. Since I will be visiting London, Paris, Madrid and Tangier in April and I always enjoy meeting new people, anyone who wants to meet up drop me a line.
On a totally different note I have rediscovered a favorite from my younger years. The other day at Safeway I spotted Pillsbury Wiener Wraps and decided to give them a try again. They did not disappoint, with some hot mustard they make a great snack. Mmmm Mmmm Good.
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