Secondly, like I just said, I will be gone for the next two weeks. I will try to post, but I don't plan to bring my computer and I am not a fan of this blogger app as it doesn't allow me to put pictures between words. I will try though!
Actual date of this event: 22 April
The Monday after the London Marathon was supposed to be
relaxing, and it was, to an extent. We actually did way more walking than
planned, but London is massive so it practically impossible to walk less than 5
miles in a day. Jill’s flight didn’t leave until that evening, so she and I had
until about 4:30 to do what we wanted. We decided the night before that we
would take it easy in the morning, then go eat Chipotle in Wimbledon for lunch,
and then head to the city to do some sight-seeing. Thanks, Nary, for giving us the
free food coupons at Chipotle!
Jill and I hopped on the District tube line which would get
us near Hyde Park. Hyde Park is a really nice park, and it is a must do if you
plan to see Buckingham Palace or London in general. There is a very large pond
(The Serpentine) right in the middle, and you can rent a paddle boat. It’s just
a really nice area!
There are a few other parks around Buckingham Palace, and we
chose to walk through St. James’s which would lead us to the BIG attraction:
Parliament Square. I was standing right Parliament Square the day before, but I
was so focused on the marathon that I did not even notice all of the famous
sights around me. I am so glad Jill and I got to enjoy it during a more calm
moment. And the area really did not seem all that busy to me. It was Monday after
all.
We have Westminster Abbey which is a very beautiful church…
from the outside. It was 18GBP to go inside, so naturally we passed on that!
We did go into St. Margaret’s Church which is right next to
Westminster Abbey. It is an Anglican church and had some very interesting
stained glass. It was more like abstract art rather than the usual religious pictures
you normally see. The church was free to go inside, so we jumped on that!
Next, we saw Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster. This whole
building is just a beauty. It is right on the River Thames, so you can see the
front side of it and the back side… actually you can see all sides of it. I
would love to take a riverboat tour someday. If you’re my next visitor, there
is a good chance that will be on the agenda! I have heard it’s great!
Across the river is the London Eye. We originally planned to
do the London Eye on Sunday after the race, but found out that it is 20GBP for
one person, and if you want the fast track, it is 30GBP which doesn’t even seem
to be much faster. Maybe one day I will buckle up and hand over both of my arms
for the London Eye and Westminster Abbey.
Jill and I decided to head a couple miles east, so we got on
the District/Circle line to Tower Hill. This was the stop that Luke, Kristin
and I got off on when we began watching the marathon. It looked completely
different without the crowds of people. First, Jill and I walked to the Tower
Bridge. It is 8GBP to climb up the tower and get some views, but stairs were
not the best idea at that time, so we passed. Next time though!
Lastly, we needed a drink, we wanted some views, and we
wanted to chill out for a bit before Jill had to leave to go back home. We went
to Sushi Samba at the Heron Tower, which is where Luke and I went during our
first weekend in London. Spectacular views again! We each got a delicious, but
expensive, drink to quench our thirst.
It was then time to say “see you later” as I refuse to ever
say good-bye to Jill! And I am oh so super thrilled because last week, she
booked flights for her and Ryan to come to London at the end of May! Yippee!!!
Can’t wait to see you soon Jill, but until then, we can emoji J
RANDOM FACT:
Big Ben is officially called the Elizabeth Tower, renamed
after the Diamond Jubilee. It holds the largest four-faced chiming clock in the
world.
-Debbie-
The London Eye is totally worth it! We went at sunset and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!
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