I know as Americans we categorically reject the idea of Royal families, but look at what we’re missing! Tiaras, Buckingham Palace, Prince Harry…the chance to be in her Majesty’s Secret Service?
Yeah, well today I tried to see what else the Brits had that America needs. Let me tell you, our family blazed through the city like the Great London Fire covering the town at a frenetic pace. I do not recommend seeing England this way. She should be savored to be fully enjoyed. But clearly we Murphys did not care.
Besides Brian refused to let something as mundane as time hold us back. So with the precision of military campaign and utilizing taxis, coaches, boats, and borrowed strollers we set out to see it all! Buckle in kids! We’re going for a ride….and it’s on the wrong side of the street!
St. Paul’s cathedral-built by the world renowned Christopher Wren. It is beyond impressive. The domes, statues, iron work, mosaics and frescoes are breathtaking. But just like the Sistine Chapel, you have to see it in person because no photos are allowed inside.
At the start of our day and the kids are happy and cheerful. This changes dramatically as the day unfolds.
Buckingham Palace is a complete crush. The crowds are unbearable. If you really want to see the changing of the guards, watch it on YouTube.
However, you can see the Imperial Horse Guards, and they are dashing with their regimental
scarlet capes and tasseled helmets.
Next it was on to this little place. Some chapel named Westminster Abbey. I don’t know much about it, but I heard it’s a cute wedding venue.
This sign literally saved our lives!
Our first celebrity sighting, and Olivia is star struck. Look, she’s holding his hand.
London Bridge is falling down. Technically this is Tower Bridge. Believe it or not, the real London Bridge is in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
The Tower of London is actually not a tower, but a bunch of buildings, walls, moats, etc…It’s more like a mini walled city.
Olivia thought this was for Cinderella’s glass slipper. Nope! We had to set her straight. This is where people get their heads chopped off. Haha!
And the highlight of the entire trip for me! This is is home of the Crown Jewels where all the royal monarch crowns, scepters, and other immense priceless investiture artifacts live.
And again, this is why armchair traveling just doesn’t cut it. No pictures are allowed inside. Believe me when I tell you it’s magnificent. I loved it so much, I went through twice!
Poor Brian- he lost his Crown Jewels here too.
WTH! Are those monkeys? I freaked out until I realized they are just statues. Seems at one time the Tower of London used to be the Royal Zoo.
Today only 37 of these Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters exist at any one time. They guard the Tower and have been doing so for over 700 years.
Then it was a cruise on the river Thames. Our tour guide took great pains to tell us that the Thames is dirty but not polluted. Brian did not care because they served beer.
We traveled to Greenwich pronounced Gren-itch by boat and saw this. We loved the iconic red telephones boxes, but were sad to learn London has plans to get rid of them all by next year.
Greenwich is a really lovely town. Lot of beautiful landmarks to see like the beautiful Old Navy Royal College. And best of all – no crowds.
The National Maritime Museum is the largest of its kind in the world with all manner of nautical exhibits. This is one of the golden barges that played Handel’s famous Water Music symphony for King George. That’s real gold by the way!
And amazing figure heads that decorated ships throughout history.
The Cutty Sark-sorry don’t know anything about this ship except it’s very famous and impressive
looking.
Grace my math aficionado was jubilant to be standing over the famous Greenwich International Dateline. Hey, it’s not every day you can be in both the Eastern and Western Hemisphere simultaneously.
Besides having tons of fun things to see, Greenwich is just a great town in general. We wish we could have explored this gem a bit more.
But we had places to go like the London Eye at night.
Even though I am not a fan of Ferris Wheels, this was impressive.
Look kids! Big Ben..and the entire city all lit up and gorgeous looking.
It’s like something out of Star Wars…but only 30 minutes long.
Olivia was tickled to get to ride in one of those old fashioned black taxicabs.
And taking a dip in the enormous bath tub swimming pool. After a long day, the kids enjoyed the hotel ordering ice creams and watching movies.
