Our girls took another spring break trip this year to Wiesbaden. We decided to visit London in the year of the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Because of these two events, the city is undergoing a major facelift. Everything is being cleaned up, including trash. It is the cleanest we have ever seen the city since coming here a few years ago. Although they could have considered other warm-weather destinations for a typical spring break, London was unique and the weather mostly cooperated. The first day, we took a walk to Harrod's - no stop in London is complete without this. Much to Dad's delight, no bags were needed. It was a tourist stop only.
The next day, it was a bit rainy, so we jumped on the hop-on, hop-off tour bus for an excellent trip around the city. We learned about the history of each location and got a better idea of the layout of the city. During the tour, we hopped off at Trafalgar Square for a visit to the historic church, St. Martin-in-the-Fields. After that experience, it was time for a proper pub.
When we finally made it around the city, we hopped off again at Buckingham Palace for the traditional changing of the guard. The next day's weather was much improved so we decided to make the Millennium Mile walking path along the Thames. We began the walk at the Borough Market, a lively farmer's market near Tower Bridge (the bridge that everyone thinks is London Bridge). Then we walked along the Thames past the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe Theater. We eventually wound our way to the giant London Eye - Europe's largest Ferris wheel. At first glance, it looks out of place and gaudy, but we had heard many good reports from locals. So, Emily and Pete braved the heights and went for the ride. It's amazingly stable and moves at a snail's pace, never stopping to let people on and off. And there were some amazing views. Enjoy the pictures....
Tschus!
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| Inside Harrod's candy pavilion. |
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| St. Martin-in-the-Fields near Trafalgar Square |
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| Katie standing with Eric Clapton in front of Royal Albert Hall where he plays his legendary London Concerts. |
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| Katie dashing in to make a quick call to the Queen Mum |
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| The girls on the partially covered upper deck of the tour bus in the rain |
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| Just below Big Ben and Parliament |
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| Break time at a "proper" pub |
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| Tasting some interesting concoction at the Borough Market |
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| The famous Tower Bridge |
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| On the Queen's Walk (Millennium Mile) along the Thames |
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| Shakespeare's Globe Theatre |
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| Prior to the ride on the London Eye |
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| It looks quite daunting from this angle |
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| In the distance, Buckingham Palace is kissed by the sun. What a view!! |
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| Going up, Emily is not quite sure... |
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| ...Going down, much more relaxed. |
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| Inside the glass bubble, it's a freaky look straight down |
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| At the Top! Looking down at the next glass pod |
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| One final stop at Carnaby Street - scene of the "Mod" look in the 60's |
