Jolly O’ London
What better way to celebrate the start of 2013 than by taking a trip with friends to the historic city of London England.
I joined Flavia, Stéphane and family for an enjoyable sojourn to the land of Kings, Queens, the Tower Bridge, Winston Churchill, Duffy, Shakespeare, Savile Row, Beefeaters, Jaguar, Bobbies, Crisps, London Beat, Double Decker Buses, Kidney Pies, William Penn, Pudding Lane and of course, Fish & Chips!
What made this trip even better was time spent with a good friend-Sandra. Sandra is native French but has called London home for 10+ years. Sandra’s english is officially better than mine (not the best benchmark, I know :) and as proof of her mastery of the english language I can share with you a fun story — Sandra was speaking with one of her colleagues recently and somehow her colleague heard Sandra could speak french, so when asked, Sandra began speaking a little french to her colleague and the colleague (not knowing Sandra is French) said “your french is not bad for being British” !!
Sandra enjoying British life and loves being a Chunnel ride away from family and friends in France.
Stéphane, Stuart (British), Sandra, me, Lorchan (Irish), Flavia,
Mohammed (Eygptian), Romina (Italian), Isabella, Emilia
Cruising the River Thames and enjoying the sight of Parliament and The Elizabeth Tower (previously the Clock Tower but renamed for Queen Elizabeth II diamond jubilee) which houses the great “Big Ben” bell.
The London Eye ride (the largest ferris wheel in Europe — 2nd largest in the world) – an activity not to be missed when visiting London — you are standing in one of 32 glass capsules (representing the 32 boroughs of London) for a 30 minute rotation ride.
Historic Route 15 started in 1908. Here you can see one of the last vintage double decker buses still running in London.
The Grand Dame of Department Stores — Harrods!
Inside the famous and amazing Food Hall of Harrods
A quick stop for energy is natural after wondering through a few of Harrods 330 departments — making Harrods the largest department store in Europe (Shinsegae Centum City in South Korean is the largest Department store in the world).
One of many beautiful streets in London spreading Christmas cheer!
Two good friends catching up (Flavia and fellow Italian Romina)
In front of the 300+ year old St Paul’s Cathedral with a surprise guest appearance by Isabella!
The modern Double-Decker buses passing by St Paul’s
Stéphane, Sandra, Stuart, Marina (French), Flavia,
Isabella and Emilia
I have to say it… look at the black & blue Eye :)
The Elizabeth Tower holds the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and is the 3rd tallest free-standing clock tower.
Emilia and Isabella mesmerized by a street performer at Trafalgar Square
I always enjoy walking down Jermyn street and stopping in the flagship store of my favorite shirt maker – Pink
We enjoyed an evening in the charming town of Greenwich
Making a quick call to let the Queen know I’m in town….with two royal guards standing watch.
The official Royal emblem to let people know that a member of the Royal family has and/or continues to shop in this store.
Sir Winston…
Two friends immortalized in a casual moment (FDR and Churchill)
Tower Bridge by day
……even better at night!
Cheerio from London!
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