London Calling
After 36 hours, 1 cancelled flight, a 7 hour layover and an 8 hour flight we finally made it to London!!! Even though it had been almost three days since I had a full night sleep there was no way I could waste any time before getting out into the city and exploring. After figuring out the tube system (the underground) we were on our way. Our goal was to get to the Natural History Museum and possibly stop by Hyde Park on our way back but when we waiting for the tube we met some new friends (not a surprise to anyone who knows me or my mom). Chas (short for Charles) and Jenny were extremely helpful and informative. They told us that they were on their way to Hyde Park for a demonstration in honor of the birth of the royal Princess Charlotte. We thought it would be interesting to experience something so unique so when they invited us to join them we eagerly accepted.
When we got to the park we were greeted by the beauty of the gardens and a decent crowd of people. The demonstration was regal, definitely fit for a princess. The Kings official Horsemen came riding out pulling 6 giant cannons from which the Gaurd proceeded to facilitate a 41 gun salute while the royal band played. It was exciting to be apart of something that immersed us so fully into the culture. After the demonstration Chas and Jenny gave us clear directions to everywhere we wanted to go and even walked part of the way with us before it was time to say farewell to our new friends. I am always so thankful and amazed by people who are willing to share their insight, experience and friendliness with complete strangers.
After all this we finally made our way towards the museums but not without 2 mandatory stops, one for a little pick me up at Starbucks and two for some necessary shopping at Harrods department store.
The art was obviously amazing but it was the architecture that took my breath away (as pictured here). On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a little "hole in the wall" pub for some authentic fish and chips, then when we couldn't walk another step we jumped into an iconic black taxi and headed back to the hotel.
It was an adventurous start to our 16 day journey. And now just the tiniest bit of rest before heading out again. Thank you for taking this journey with us, next stop.... PARIS!!!!