Westminster Abbey, the Tower of Big Ben

Each city and country we have had the opportunity to visit has been truly enjoyable. However, when the time came for us to leave London, I felt like I would have to be dragged out kicking and screaming. We accomplished such a great deal, yet left so many possible ventures unfulfilled. Can I go back yet?

Saturday was our last full day in London. I do believe we made the absolute most of it.

Our morning got off to an early start. We took the train into London with family, grabbed a sandwich in the station, and made our way to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard ceremony. Although we failed to beat the initial crowd, we scored a great spot behind a line of school children, providing us with a clear view of the palace.

I didn't know the guards had different coats for summer and winter, which naturally makes sense as I'm sure those hats are heat insulating enough. There was some lucky family who was able to observe the changing on the inside of the gates. I want to know who they know and get that view for next time.

Fighting our way though the crowds after the changing of the guard we walked down to Trafalgar Square and over to Westminster to see the abbey, parliament, and Big Ben.

The size of Westminster is overwhelming. Walking down the street, you are absolutely surrounded by the buildings. It was such a cool feeling, albeit intimidating! 

From London we took the train out to meet a cousin and see her neighborhood. This turned into a tour of her beautiful apartment, tea, and an outing to a restaurant where we had a four hour lunch and I had half a bottle of wine. Bloody brilliant.

We returned downtown to see London from the London Eye at night. I detest heights, so while I truly wanted to do it, I was nervous of my reaction. I am glad to report the hovering high above the city in an enclosed glass case did not make me apprehensive in the slightest. My only complaint, to get on and off the Eye, it does not stop. You literally walk on and walk off. My very accident prone self was not a fan of that part! We finished the evening with more drinks. I had a French martini, actually I had two, which is a testament to how much I enjoyed the first one.

London so far has provided the largest amount of inspiration for me. I just loved the fusion of immaculately preserved history and new age design and ideas. The houses in Surrey, London, and everywhere else along the way were picturesque and exactly what I had hoped. London still upholds a number of their traditions, the changing of the guard and the key ceremony at the Tower to name a couple. While it may be somewhat for the sake of tourism, I consider it to be such a lovely element in their culture. Culture and English accents? Sign me up for London any day of the week.