Day 4
Another glorious day weather-wise. We got up and went straight to the City to see the Changing of the Guard. We got right up to the Front Row, right next to the fence, because Jill noticed some men putting new gold leaf on the fence, dismantling their equipment.
It soon got crowded, even though it was an hour early. We saw the whole thing up close, and took a lot of pictures with our “backup” camera. Hope they come out. Also took lots of photos for folks behind us! The changing of the guard itself was impressive, but the band played several tunes before leaving like “Star Wars” and “My Favorite Things” that seemed out of place.
It soon got crowded, even though it was an hour early. We saw the whole thing up close, and took a lot of pictures with our “backup” camera. Hope they come out. Also took lots of photos for folks behind us! The changing of the guard itself was impressive, but the band played several tunes before leaving like “Star Wars” and “My Favorite Things” that seemed out of place.
Then we picnicked in St. James’ Park on sandwiches, took a stroll around the lake, saw lots of unusual waterfowl, then back on the Tube.
Took the Tube all the way out of town to Richmond, hoping to be able to walk to Hampton Court. Instead, we had to take 2 busses for about 45 minutes. It was interesting, though – out of the city and lots of old ladies with their shopping. Bus drivers very helpful and friendly.
Hampton court, built in the early 1500’s, was very impressive. We first went around the maze – made of hedges. Couldn’t find our way out, and gave up. Then we realized the only way out was the way in! Stubborn folks would never get out.
Then walked through the various gardens – all beautiful and immaculate – 1600 acres in all. Saw scullers on the Thames.
Then walked through the various gardens – all beautiful and immaculate – 1600 acres in all. Saw scullers on the Thames.
Then walked around the huge palace. Impressive paintings. Believe it or not, the kitchen was about twice the size of our house.
Stopped in a pub after we were done and had a few. Asked the bartender how to play “bar pool”, a coin-operated strange pool table game. Could be fun with practice.
Didn’t want to take 2 busses back, so we walked to the BritRail station. Asked a bobby for directions, and he explained to us that not all trains in the underground are “Tubes”, only certain lines.
Took BritRail to Wimbledon and got off to see if we could find the tennis stadium. No sign of it, so we had a very good Italian dinner at “Dolce Vita”. Dave – onion soup and spaghetti marinara, Jill – Pollo Principessa.
Took the Tube home – it’s starting to get old, especially on the return trip.
Misc. Notes: asked the waiter for the check, he didn’t seem to understand. I think it’s “bill”.
Day 5 >>>
Didn’t want to take 2 busses back, so we walked to the BritRail station. Asked a bobby for directions, and he explained to us that not all trains in the underground are “Tubes”, only certain lines.
Took BritRail to Wimbledon and got off to see if we could find the tennis stadium. No sign of it, so we had a very good Italian dinner at “Dolce Vita”. Dave – onion soup and spaghetti marinara, Jill – Pollo Principessa.
Took the Tube home – it’s starting to get old, especially on the return trip.
Misc. Notes: asked the waiter for the check, he didn’t seem to understand. I think it’s “bill”.
Day 5 >>>
