Wednesday and the sun is shining.

Slowed the pace today. We caught up with Alex for lunch near his work. Went to great cafe, owned by New Zealanders. They roast their own coffee beans.

We finally got to ride on a red bus. Traffic is a bit crazy, not as bad as Paris.

After getting at London Bridge we walked along the Thames and down to the Tate Modern gallery. Interesting gallery,some Picasso and Monet and some ..... Not sure how to describe them, so will leave it ......

Shakespeare's Globe theatre, we passed on our walk. ( it is a copy actually)

We walked across the Millennium Bridge and were confronted by St Paul's cathedral. We decided not to go in.

Tonight Alex is coming over for dinner.

It is hard to believe tomorrow is our last day. We fly out at 10.05 pm.

Tuesday part 2

Maybe too many photos, wasn't able to complete blog in on go.  The two unnamed photos in the previous blog were Admiralty Arch, which marks the start of the Mall leading to the palace and the statue is Captain Cook.
 After our museum adventure we found Trafalgar and visited the National Portrait Gallery. The square was amazing with fountains, statues and a giant purple roster!

After a nice lunch out of the rain we strolled down Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street and onto Westminster Abby.

We met up with the Household Cavalry guarding the other side of the stables.

10 Downing Street looked a little busy! 

Westminster Abby

When strolled past the Houses of Parliament and onto the south bank where took in the views from the London Eye. 

We finished the day by catching up with Alex at Shoeditch, where he is working this week, and having dinner at one of his favorite Vietnamese restaurant. We are coming home for a rest.

Tuesday- a busy day in the trenches

After another unsuccessful a attempt at getting up before 8, we travelled to Green Park on the Metro so we cold walk to Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the guards don't change on Tuesday. Instead we got to see the Household Cavalry do a parade down the Mall and back to their stables.

Queen Victoria 'guards' the palace.

View from the mall. Bruce is waiting for me to be run over.

Fun at the Household Cavalry Museum.

Back dated The Rhine Valley (Tuesday 8/10)

We had an afternoon cruising through the famous Rhine Valley, home of 24 castles on the banks. I think I saw all but one. I have the photos to prove it! Worrying, I know. Unfortunately it was a dull and cold day.  I only lasted a few castles on the 'sun' deck. Anyway here are a few:

Kensington Palace

Prince Bruce

Lady Di's dress.

Beautiful garden

Look Dad they even have crows at the palace.

Hyde Park, Albert Hall

A cute squirrel 

Prince Albert Memorial

Albert hall

Monday - HARRODS

HARRODS - Right out of our league!

Q

Lady Di's memorial in HARRODS. 

only 93 000 pounds for this light!

Saturday - mouse trap

On Saturday we went and explored Picadilly Circus and the a matinee of the mouse trap at St Martin's  theatre, a great performance and nearly a full house.
Alex, Rosie and their housemate Naomi cooked us tea.  Bruce and I took the long way from the Bethal Green station to their place!, about an hour extra.  We went in the totally wrong direction.....
We have done a lot of walking.

London - Sunday

We checked out some more markets at Brick lane and then Bruce & I walked down to the Thames and took in a river cruise up to Greenwich.  It was dark when we reached Westminster, a lovely sight.  Today we had our first rain, a very heavy shower while we were walking to catch the boat. It cleared and then there was no more rain while we were cruising up the river.

More London Adventures V & A museum and Rosie 's birthday

We have had big couple of days.  It has been great catching up with Rosie and Alex.

On Saturday we made our way down the road to the V &A Museum.  Amazing, you could spend 8 days exploring all the displays.  We took in an introductory tour and then Bruce took in a medieval tour an d I checked out the fashion exhibition and checked out the  some displays in the materials and techniques room.  I should be right to make bronze statues using a wax mould and then I can decorate  it using gold gilding.

Walking through the park near Alex's place.

Playing scrabble ate the Camel ( local pub )

Alex as the Big Bang and Rosie dressed by guests.

Some of the guests.