London: Day 2

Today was a full day of touring. We started at Buckingham Palace! Got there 2 hours early thinking we were just on time, so we had lots of time to kill. We decided the only natural thing to do was shop! We went to the Buckingham Mews gift shop. My mom and I bought Christmas tree ornaments (like we do on every trip) and Mimi bought gifts for the other grandkids (and a cute Westie pillow!). We walked around the park in front of Buckingham Palace for awhile and then went to get a prime spot for watching the changing of the guards.

We stood near a fountain in front of the palace and met some super nice people who were from Houston, also! At first the changing of the guards was not all that I expected...a little on the boring side, but then the "royal guard band" (i have no idea what they are really called??) entertained everyone with quite the selection of music! Enrique Iglesias-Bailamos (sp?), Ricky Martin-Livin la Vida Loca, Tina Turner-Simply The Best, The Beatles-Hey Jude, etc. So funny because I don't think anyone expected that...at least not us!

So, after Buckingham Palace we headed to Westminster Abbey. We stopped at a really cute English Pub for lunch. I had Cottage Pie and Mimi and Mom had Steak Pie and it was all yum! I had heard that English food wasn't that great, but I have loved it so far. After lunch, we toured Westminster Abbey. It was beautiful! I have never seen so many statues, tombs and artifacts in my life!

Next, we took a taxi to the Tower of London. Not so much a tower, but the first residence of the Bristish Royals. They also had a display of the Royal Gems. We got to see all of the crowns, swords and jewlery worn by the Royals! Just next to the Tower of London was the London Bridge. Not really much to explain, but I have lots of cute pics.

For dinner, we ate at the very posh Kensington Place. We thought we were going to have Fish 'n Chips, but this restaurant was a little bit too fancy for a dish like that! Instead, we had Cod Cakes that were amazing and a linguine dish!

Tomorrow we are antique shopping. That ought to be quite an experience with my mom and Mimi!

Oh, and I forgot to mention this yesterday...I noticed last night as I was getting dressed for the play that I forgot all of my underwear!! I NEVER forget to pack anything when I go on trips, so of all things to forget...my freaking underwear. We are making a trip to Harrod's tomorrow so I can get some and not have to keep washing my one pair every night :)

And I need to also mention that my straightener doesn't work with the plugs here, so I'll have super cute wavy hair for the rest of the trip!

Other than the no underwear and straightener, I LOVE LONDON!!