London - Gatwick Airport Marriott
Tuesday evening June 28, 2011
We got on the shuttle at the airport which took us to a Marriott Courtyard. We got settled in, went downstairs to have a drink and wait for Phil and Ally. We had a nice dinner with them and it was an enjoyable evening. Mark was getting up early on Wednesday to fly to Scotland for the day and I was heading to Westminster Abbey. Ally was kind enough to slip informtion under my door to help me find my way around on Wednesday.
Planes Trains and Automobile - Wednesday
Westminster Abbey & Buckingham Palace 6-29-11
Okay, it's more like shuttle, train and taxi. I took the shuttle to the airport, got on the train to Victorian Station and then took a cab to Westminster Abbey. It was wonderful, I think I even sat in the chair that the Queen sat in. (well actually I checked and it was a nicer chair that she had but it was in the same location) There is so much history there and so many people buried there. It was surreal to think that I walked where Diana's body laid and walked up the steps that Kate & William walked up in April. I was beyond thrilled to be there. So I toured around for a few hours. It's really old and a little bit creepy. Then I went to see the College Garden which was something in my London guidebook that they list under hidden treasures. Luckily Wednesday was a day it was open for visitors to see. I also ate a sandwich while I was there and had a nice view of a center grassy area. There were no pictures allowed inside so I was really good and didn't take any. You will see in the first picture a door panel at the top, that was were I went in.
That is Big Ben, Parliament and the school next to the Abbey.
Then I shopped and guess what I found? The simulated Princess Diana engagement ring so I bought it of course along with several other things today. (I had looked so hard for that ring but hadn't found one the first week in London. I was never able to get the engagement tea towel) I will do a post later with all my treasures. Then I headed over to Buckingham Palace. I had been there earlier in the trip but I heard that Kate's dress was on display. Well it wasn't but it will be in July :( I did the tour of the carriages this time which I enjoyed. There was a special party going on at the Palace tonight and it was fun seeing the people going in. Lots of hats and pretty dresses.
I then headed towards the Victoria Train Station and ended up walking all the way there. My feet do hurt today and are still swollen. I stopped and had a cappuccino with a scone at the station and put my legs up for awhile. Stopped to pick up something I saw for Amber. She is always in search of a great face wash that is natural, organic and not animal tested. The company is Neal's Yard Remedies and they have been in business for 30 years. You can buy it in the states through a rep which I haven't checked out yet. So I headed for the express train back to the airport, got on my shuttle back to the hotel and I am here in bed resting my legs.
Mark was off to Scotland this morning and gets in around 9:00pm which it almost is now. We ended up having dinner with Phil and Ally which was very nice.Tomorrow he is off and we may go to the Tate Britain Museum which means it will be shuttle, train and taxi again! I can see planes fly by about every 10 minutes from the room, it's so cool and absolutely no noise! Well I am exhausted. Goodnight.
Guess what, there is only one more day left before we leave on Friday!
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24 comments:
I have been to London so often and have yet to visit Westminster Abbey. The sheer number of people waiting in line always puts me off big time. Perhaps some day in the future...
What an amazing trip you had! All of your pictures have been great! I can't wait to see the ones of your treasures!
I'm in awe that you went sightseeing by yourself! I'm a little intimidated by public transportation!
I loved London. Westminster Abbey was one of my all time favorites. I loved the door shots. I have a thing about European doors...and the English gardens. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of my own memories.
what absolutely beautiful pictures! What wonderful memories!
I never get tired of looking at your photos. You truly had an amazing trip.
What a wonderful tour I just had through you! My computer for some unknown (to me) reason is going so slowly today, so your pictures haven't pulled up yet....but you do such a great job of describing things I felt I could see them.
I may have fainted at the body scan! :)
Wow... the pic's are gorgeous. I have always wanted a cottage with a curved door like those you show in the pic's. Your story about the money pouch was funny... did your pants drop or the money pouch? Either way, I was laughing!!!
Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Buckingham Palace....
Places I have only heard about.
Your posts are so wonderful I can imagine myself being there.
Looking forward to seeing all your treasures.
Westminster Abbey was one of my favorite places in London. I still find it strange that Will & Kate were married there when they primarily use the Abbey for funerals & the fact that it's like one big mausoleum.
You have taken so many beautiful pictures! I love how you got not just the big things but also the little details. I like to do that too!
What a great trip you had...so many nice places to see and you took some fabulous photos. Trish to
It's been a while, but I visited most of those places when I was in London.
I would love to see Westminster Abbey! It looks so beautiful on television--and it looks huge!
Great photos. You did a great job of capturing your trip.
What a wonderful day yo had in London, Debby. I am envious cause when we went there, we passed by all of them but never entered the buildings. I can imagine the feeling of being in there...Christine
Oh wow! Neat Neat Neat! With Will and Kate's wedding so recent it is especially neat that you were in Westminster Abbey and saw the carraige! Beautiful!!
I also love that you bought yourself a ring (wink!).
One day I hope to see this all in person. No! One day I will see this all in person.
I have always wanted to see the Abbey. I hope to see it in person one day. Thanks for sharing your pictures!
Blessings, Joanne
Thank you for taking me on your visit to the Abby! I was there in 1990 and had forgotten how exciting it was!
How wonderful. But you are making me home sick. Thank you for sharing your happy memory making,. Big Hugs!
I think I would really enjoy that carriage tour as well.
Mark was really busy when you were over there. Goodness!
Wow! You sure got to see a lot that day! The carriages are beautiful! :-)
Look at you having an audience ... lol
Those cariages are breath taking!
This is such an amazing journey :)
You make my urge to go to London unbearable. Looks like a great trip!
Westminster Abbey looks absolutely fabulous. You took some lovely photos, too. I'm glad you had such a great day.
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