We arrived back into London yesterday. It was much easier driving in central London this time because this time I was familiar with the car, could work the integrate GPS system, and there may have been less traffic! We even drove through Balham where we used to live, on our way to return the car. I was able to point out to Finn where he was born too. Very cool.
In the afternoon we used the hop on hop off bus to tour around a 2 and a bit hour loop of London. We saw all the major sights including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, St Paul's, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben (who we heard chime 1pm), the houses of Parliament, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Speakers Corner.... I felt a real buzz seeing all these places again and sharing the excitement of London with Finn.
We hopped off and had a closer look at Buckingham Palace, the Beef Eaters and Green Park, before heading back to Wimbledon where we are currently staying with my friend Hilary.
Today we caught a boat along the Thames River from Waterloo to The Tower of London where we spent around 3 hours. We saw the crown jewels, walked along the walls, saw the ravens, went into the bloody tower, saw the block and axe used for chopping off heads, and immersed ourselves in history.
This afternoon we went in search of the Olympic flame which was passing through Wimbledom around 5pm but we just missed it :-(We even walked right to Wimbledon tennis where it was going to be at centre court at 5.29pm but we were there at 5.30pm and it was already inside! Still we saw important people in mayoral type chains, and the car that was coming to collect the Olympic torch and take it to Wandsworth where it was headed next.
Tomorrow we will be catching up with my colleagues from Dundonald School where I used to work. We're all going to gather together for lunch and a glass or two of wine. The weathr forcast is for an outstanding day tomorrow too. I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Love to you all,
Deborah and Finn
How cool is that! Finn got to see where he was born, and where he spent some time growing up... Did you recognize anything from the pictures mum has of you when you were younger Finn? That is a real highlight!
ReplyDeleteAnother question Finn, did you try and make the guards at the place smile? Their uniforms are quite different from the police.
It sounds like it has been another very busy couple of days sightseeing, there is just so much to see in a country so rich with history. It's a shame that you missed the Olympic torch at Wimbledon, they must keep to a very tight time schedule, no time to linger and way at the crowds :-(
I see on the calendar it is only a couple of days till you get to see the 'Lion King' , then you hardly get the chance to get over that excitement before the Olympics start the next day, phew! What a busy week :-)
Lots of love xoxo
Hi Deb and Finn, reading about all your adentures is so exciting I just want to hop on the first plane! Harry Potter tour sounded interesting; great idea to sync it up to the DVD. I loved Bath and Salisbury when I was there many years ago, so can't wait to see your photos. Have an awesome time at the Olympics! Sue
ReplyDeleteHi Finn, thanks for the postcard from Disneyland. I really really want to go on that high speed train ... and go on the Harry Potter tour! At our school we are having an Olympic opening ceremony. Have fun. Ryan
Hi Deb and Finn
ReplyDeleteYou two don't stop still for long during daylight hours. Deb please say hi to Hilary and husband, I still have a vague impression of their home. It must be really nice catching up with them.
Neat to see people dressed up in their chains - So pomp and ceremony are still part of the historical/ important occasions.
It's neat that you were able to take Finn past the hospital where he was born and where you both lived.
The bus, boat and underground are excellent people movers. You saw a lot in such a short time.
Have a lovely time at Dundonald. Wonder if they still design their own tea towels.
Take care and enjoy the company of your friends.
Hi Finn,
ReplyDeleteBeckett was really excited to receive his postcard from Disneyland today. He liked Winnie-the-Pooh but was more interested in the holographic stars, he told me "they change all the colours!". And he kept hunting out the "B for Beckett" on the back too. He didn't want to put the card down all evening!
Beckett would also like you to know that "I all grown up now" because he's made a big move - to his Big Boy Bed! I think he thinks that he's just as big as you now!
It's been really great hearing of your adventures. I hope that the rest of your holiday is just as exciting!
Hannah & Beckett
Looks and sounds like you're having a great time. Your time in London takes me back to my trip there with the kids 3 years ago.....very similar activities.....so much to see and do.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Olympics!
Love Ali, Mark, Reece & Tia
hey there guys, got our postcard today, so that was great. Thanks...Good weekend for the hawks, had 1 loss and 1 win (2-0) which is good for moral, Focus was strength and courage. and the lads did both, Max and George got a goal. We play the NW thunders (3rd team) this weekend, so that will be fun for the lads...nothing to lose! Your comment on England bring back lots of fond memories, especially Bath. Beautiful.Raining here now so glad we have the hall to use. Keep having fun, the games are just around the corner
ReplyDeletehi Finn just wanted to ask you a question. Was the trolley at kingscross staion built into the wall?
ReplyDeletethanks
adam
Wow, what a time you are having. Makes me want to jump on a plane with Max and Theo and show them all around. We never got to do the hop on hop off bus when we were there - makes me want to do it now. Pleased to here that the weather is improving - has been worse here!!!
ReplyDeleteLook forward to reading of your next adventures.
Love
Rachel
Goodness gracious Grandad and I feel quite breathless just reading your adventures. What a fabulous time you are both having over there. Finn, your Stonehenge postcard arrived today. That was so lovely to get. What a place! Lots of love from us both.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb & Finn. Grandad & I feel quite breathless just reading of your adventures over there. What great memories you will both have for a lifetime. Finn, your Stonehenge postcard arrived today. Thank you. It was so lovely to get that. You are now in your 4th week away but you have fitted so much into that time. We are looking forward to the start of the Games on Fri. We will keep an eye out for you!!! Lots of love.
ReplyDeleteCrazy! My first post disappeared from the screen for some reason and I thought I had lost it -hence the second one!
ReplyDelete