London. 3rd time's the charm.

Recently had my third trip to London. My trips there never last long and this time was no exception. We went for the day. Intentions of getting up and driving there at 5am and arriving at 7am fell by the wayside as expected. It was a good decision. By the time we got there, the fog was lifting and rain clearing. We arrived around 10am...by noon, it was a sunny nearly 70 degrees. A gorgeous day. Backpack packed with snacks, we parked the car and decided to walk the city. Our adventure started near Hyde Park..(lovely with all the trees and flowers in bloom) and brought us to the trendy Hard Rock Cafe...(complete with Japanese tourists...hard to see a historical or popular area without one...(no offense to anyone!) Matt had his coffee...he was happy.

Moving along...we went through yet another park...(the name escapes me..) complete with men in suits, ladies in skirts and striped lounge chairs standing alone in the wide open..curious. A faint haze above all. Big Ben off in the distance...as it will stay...been there..no time for him today. Off to other spots.

First stop, Buckingham Palace. My first thought....."Is that it?" The 'palace' itself stands alone, rather lonely surrounded by what has to be one of the tackiest gates I've ever seen. (Sorry Mum...) Although, I did see a police officer with a gun...now THAT is a rare sight here. Whether that is good or bad is up for debate...I will reserve my opinion and spare everyone!
After looking around the place a bit and meshing with the tourists from near and far, we moved on to where the Queen's guards stand. They are as stoic as many have seen on the telly. I was thankful they were not wearing the bear fur hats...i'm rather funny that way. Their horses were gorgeous creatures. Many little children felt the need to attempt to pet them, to what appeared to be dismay of the the guards on them. Or maybe it was just the heat....and the crowd.

Next in toward the heart of London and Trafalgar Square...Where the big lions lay. Huge lions with children and adults slopping themselves all over them. I do like Trafalgar, it's a bit like Europe....no...Brits, don't consider themselves part of Europe from my understanding. Dunno...they even maintained their monetary system for the moment. Good for them! ANYWAY.....I'll get by that....

London really is a gorgeous city. Clean (I REALLY appreciate clean), interesting and architecturally significant.

We continue to wander after stopping to feed my now trembling-with-hunger husband. Sandwiches in the pack save us a hefty bill in a cafe....it is London, after all. Matt makes a better sandwich anyway...

Continuing on, we make our way across the Thames working towards our favorite market near London Bridge. Passing Shakespeare's Round theatre...(quaint..) we finally, after what seems like ages get to the market and wouldn't you know it....they are closed or closing for the day....DRAT! No olives, bread or cheeses to bring home. We move on hanging our heads only momentarily. Time to reach and cross Tower Bridge. A huge tourist draw. Not too bad today....not quiet enough to interest me in paying a fee to go up and get a better view of the harbour..not today. Walking across is rather fun in itself...it IS a handsome bridge.

Not far from it is a foot bridge that crosses the Thames towards St. Paul's Cathdral...looked new and interesting. I couldn't have dragged my partner across with a gun or sedative. Foiled again. Oh well....keep walking we do towards The Tower of London. A place with significant and notorious history.....and TOURISTS! There will be no tour for us today...no pictures with a Beefeater, no Crown Jewels, or Dungeon tour. We both have a near meltdown in the gift shop due to the lack of ability to navigate or breath adequately due to the masses of people...the tower will not happen today....we haven't the time anyway. Whew. Shame...will have to see it one day from the inside...

Time to catch the Underground (tube) and head back to the car. Matt, nor I, are big fans of the 'tube', but it sure beats sitting on a bus for an hour during rush hour...I'll take my chances. Not even time for a quick pub stop...this one looked like a winner...next time.

Matt has an evening planned for us at the Royal Albert Hall. Another new landmark to see. Gotta love that. After a quick coffee and lovely French pastry, at a nice little cafe...it's to the car and a freshen up. Change of clothes, wash up, we feel like new!

Off to the Royal Albert Hall! This hall was developed by Prince Albert as a dedication to his beloved Queen Victoria...sadly, he passed before it's completion in 1871. I love this building!

The outside is striking and prominant. the inside comfortable and not too elaborate. The acoustics are amazing. We saw The Fellowship of the Ring film with the actual symphony playing the soundtrack. Fantastic. The choir was especially notable in this building. The place definitely made for the human voice. I imagine operas there are amazing. Howard Shore, the trilogy's composer spoke before the event. *COOL* I have the best husband EVER!

Thanks honey. :) xx