Stonehenge and more hodge

We were able to find a bus tour that only went to Stonehenge and in the morning. Woo! So we were up bright and early on this rainy and cold London day (the only one so far... Fingers crossed!) 

Two hr bus ride out we arrived at the majestic Stonehenge. I didn't realize it but the audio tour came with our ticket (bonus!)

Some people don't pay attention when they are walking listening to their audio guide ;)

Two hours back and off to....

Here is the token picture :) 

Hopped on the tube from there to Westminster Abbey. We decided that instead of paying 18 pounds to go in that we were going to go in for free at 5 for the Choral Service. The only catch is you aren't allowed to take pictures. So dont get caught!

The choir was good. They were from Canada. It was a short service. Very nice experience. 

Heading over to the Theatre District we picked up some food from the supermarket and stumbled across this which made me laugh. 

Our show this evening was...

Ironically, none of his candy was sold at the show??? It was cute and the kids seemed to love it. From adult perspective- underwhelming. There were good parts and it was enjoyable, but I wouldn't see it again. 

London Hodge Podge

Recapping this day for you seems like we didn't do much... We were all over the place so maybe that's why? More travel time??

We ran into the London Film Museum (free!) it is only one floor so it is short but very interesting. This was the cool light fixture 

A Fish Called Wanda, Spice World, The Queen, Elizabeth, and the Kings Speech were a few among what we saw. Of course, my personal fav, My Fair Lady. Wanted to try on the hat badly. 

Another market!

 Strainers and spaghetti spoons- want.

The Royal Courts of Justice

Self explanatory :)

St. Paul's Cathedral. Wasn't going in. They wanted 16 pounds. They are hilarious. 

Made a phone call, English style 

Found real cream soda!!!!!!!!!!

More fun art. Raaaaaaaaaar, I'm a dinosaur!

??? Wrong country? 

Pear and fig... No idea. Plaque wasn't helpful

Headed over to meet for the Jack the Ripper Tour. It was very interesting and we got a little more history of England along with it. 

Stopped at a cute little place called The Folly. Totally want to open a place like this in the states. We split an amazing duck and noodle salad. I can't even explain to you how it was made. It was just so good!

It's after one and it's time for bed. We are up early tomorrow to go to Stonehenge! 

London- to market, to market...

Today was market day. It is Sunday and apparently that is big market day in London. Depending on the venue, they are open all week, but we started off the day with one favorite that is only open on Sunday- the Flower Market. It is exactly what it sounds like however, you wouldn't believe how many people are there, and how many vendors there are. The prices are really good and I kinda wished I had some place to put flowers for a week. 

We worked our way to the Leadenhall Market. Cutsie store fronts with little shops.

We found two bonus markets on the way to our last stop and they had antiques that ranged from old phones (love!) to hey, I cleaned out my basement. There were foods from all places... Foods that I have never heard about and didn't know existed. Last stop was Spitafelds. This is an amazing indoor/ outdoor venue with restaurants, artists, people selling scarves and clothes, to jewelry and kitsch. It was just a nice place to be.

Back to the historic London we headed to the towers. Mr. Beefeater tour guide (free!) was absolutely fantastic. Did you know that the Yeoman and their families actually live on the grounds? We got to see the Royal Crown Jewels (elaborate and exquisite), the 'Bloody Tower', the White Tower, and heard about the legends and history of the place. 

Headed over to the non impressive London Bridge and saw the Tower Bridge which is gorgeous! Look at that postcard-like picture :) 

Walking down the river we saw the Globe Theatre

The Queens Walk Window Garden... Very cool

 

And went to go stand in line for the London Eye. Now the line looks long but it moves pretty quickly. They put about ten people in a nice air conditioned bubble that has a nice bench in the middle and media that will tell you what the buildings are that you see around you. Now for those of you who have height/ motion issues no worries! It moves very slow and it does not rock or shake. As long as you don't push your face to the window and look down you should be good ;) again, it's so gradual I was good. 

Big Ben from Eye 

Bill and I on the Eye... Can u see him???

We decided to walk back to find somewhere fun to eat and actually decided on an Indian Restaurant. Mind you, not a huge fan and not my choice of places to eat, however, it was pretty good. I had a garlic type chicken with cheese naan and 'special' rice (AKA I have no idea what was in it) 

Back to the hostel because we are now beat. You would think with all of this walking that we have been doing my body wouldn't be so tired. C'est la vie!

London day two

Today was strolling and park day. Since we are down the street from Hyde Park we decided that would be a good place to start :) not only are both Kensington and Hyde Park massive, but they have fun statues and playgrounds and things scattered throughout. We decided that aside from two things we definitely wanted to see, that we would roam to see what else we uncovered.

Kensington Park houses, of course, the Kensington Palace and gardens. We couldn't go into the palace since they have been renovating it for a grand re opening in the upcoming months. To be honest, it wasnt much to look at from the outside so not to sad we couldn't go inside. Lol

By the river in Hyde Park is a statue that was a gift to Her Majesty. It's Peter Pan! Enlarge the picture to see the fun base of the statue :) that was my favorite part.

This is the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Lets see if I can explain this. It is a sectioned off part of the park that has a very large circular shape of varying heights that is filled with water. There are little foot bridges that you can walk on from the outside grass to the inside grass . The thought being that this would be a place all children could play and spend time as a family. There is even a little area that looks like a rock waterfall. It was very peaceful. We sat for a while and dangled our toes.

We found Harrods! We literally spent hours in here. This building is huge and has five floors. Anything you could think of to buy is in this store. If you get hungry or tired on your way through there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you stop and get a drink or snack. 

"And they each can have a little baby chicken on their little baby plates..."

There was a room of fresh meats, fruits and veggies, tea, candy, wine, liquors, desserts, jewelry, pet care, flowers, in addition to the clothing and accessories... Each room had different fancy decor. 

The 'Egyptian Escalators'

Hats

 And of course, the toy room. From games to books to stuffed animals and baby dolls.

We ran through two museums ( two not worth going through- good thing they were free!) The Albert and Victoria was interesting with their range of displays. 

We picnic lunches it in the park across from the museum and on the way back stopped at the Albert Statue which is just unnecessary.

We hightailed it back to the hostel for the POURING RAIN was approaching. We stopped off at the supermarket and had an 'in' night and did the much needed laundry. 

Up early tomorrow for Sunday Funday when we go 'to market to market'