Day 10

I must admit I was a little slow getting started this morning. I was able to get some much needed rest. But, the idea of getting back up and throwing elbows with all the other tourist made it hard to get out of bed. I rolled out of bed and jumed in the shower. I felt much better and went down for some breakfast. Here’s a few pictures of my room in London.

I had decided late last night that I would check out Buckingham Palace. I was able to purchase tickets for 945AM. I gathered everything I would need for the day and headed out for the Tube. There were a lot of people riding the underground this morning going to work. There seemed to be a few of us tourist mixed in as well. I found my stop and had a short walk to the palace.

It was a beautiful day! A little chilly walking between the buildings. But, once out in the sun there was nothing to complain about. A few people out and about. But, not bad for a Friday morning.

You could tell this guy was really happy to be here.

There is so much gold on all the gates and buildings.

I went around to gate C where visitors for the tour are supposed to enter. I walked right in with little waiting time. They offered an audio guide which is very useful during the tour. The state rooms are so elegant as well as all the art and statues throughout the palace. The tour takes you through some of the state rooms that are actually used from time to time. Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited. So, if you want to know what they look like, you’ll have to see them for yourself. This is the backside of the palace where you exit into the royal gardens.

One of the staff members told me the the ice cream shop in the gardens was just about to open. So, I took his advise and bought me an ice cream to enjoy as I found my way through the gardens and back out on the the street.

When I purchased my tickets for the palace, there was a recommendation to tour the Royal Mews. What is a mew you ask. Well, I had the same question. It is actually the royal stables. One of the kings way back when, built a mew to house his royal hawks. Over the years they converted to stables. But, for some reason the name mew stuck. It is a very interesting tour I suggest you take, since its on the grounds of the palace. The horses and the carriages are housed here. The people that work here actually live here as well. Their places of residence are the second story in the picture below. Some of these families have worked and lived in these places for generations.

This guy was enjoying his lunch. All the horses are named by the Queen.

This is the newest carriage. It was made for Queen Mary for her bicentennial. It looks old, but it is made with aluminum and other high tech features.

They also store the royal limousines here. This is the only one they have on display.

A working tack house.

One of the royal stables which is empty now. During a ceremony, the horses are brought in from the country stables.

This is the oldest carriage and one that has carried the most royalty from way back.

It is layered in real gold top to bottom.

This is where the horses are exercised.

After leaving the Royal Mews I walked by gate C that I had entered just a couple hours ago. What a mess of people. This is why I try to do the earliest tours that are available.

I decided to walk from the palace to Parliament Square which is about a twenty minute walk. It was such a beautiful day and you can’t see the city riding underground all day. I really had no set plans of what I was going to do until I saw Westminster Abby. I didn’t have tickets, but I was hoping that I’d be able to get in somehow.

As I approached the entrance I noticed the long line of people down and around the side waiting to get in. I started to ask myself how bad do I really want to do this. As I got closer I saw a staff member directing individuals to the long line and others to the door on the right with no line. The long line was for people that needed to buy tickets. The door on the right, with no line, was for people with tickets. Well, knowing that this is the twentyfirst century, I had no need to wait in the long line. I pulled out my phone. Went to the Westminster Abby website. Purchased my tickets and walked through the door with no line!

This place is amazing! So much history and architecture to admire.

There are a lot of famous people buried here.

The pictures only give you an idea what it is like. But, I’ll let them speak for themselves.

This is Queen May of Scotts. Based on my genealogy, which I also love doing, I am related to her through my paternal side.

Another person I remember hearing about.

This is the Coronation Chair that has been used for years and was just used for King Charles.

Right around the corner is Big Ben and the Parliament.

My hotel I’m staying in appears to located in the business district. I thought I’d show some of the newer building of London as well. This is a new one that is almost finished.

This is one building that has fascinated me seeing it in all the movies and shows filmed in London. It’s calling the Gherkin.

I thought it would be cool to go all the way up to this one.

It is amazing how far we have come with building. A lot of the older structures are amazing as well. The fact that they are still standing is a testament to that. But, the creativity and ability to design and build structures like this is awesome!

Well that about does it for today. I think tomorrow I’ll check out the London Towers.