We rang in the New Year with fireworks over the Thames and a celebratory parade the next day. London is wonderful -- but soooo cold.
We met Katie at St. Pancras station and easily found our lovely Queen's Gate flat, so thankful that it's a first floor flat after 4th floor apartments in Siena and Paris and the 4-level in Cortona! (No complaints, save for knee aches, as all places have been fantastic!). After settling in and refusing to let jet-lagged Katie sleep, we enjoyed some fish and chips at a local pub.
On Tuesday, we finally got everyone rolling by late morning and walked to the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road, a few blocks from our flat. Emma enjoyed all the rooms, especially the gemstones. The Star of South Africa, and 57 carat diamond, was awesome. Earthquake simulation room reminded us of why we don't want to live in California, and the volcano exhibit reinforced much of what we had learned from our visit to Pompeii. We didn't get to the sea area of the museum so will have to go back tomorrow. Most of the museums are free in London, so return trips are do-able. Abbey was determined to visit Harrod's -- as were London's 6 million inhabitants! I will never complain about King of Prussia crowds again!!! Whew! We had a wonderful dinner that night in a small restaurant on Bromley Road.
New Year's Eve day, we did the Hop on-Hop off bus tour with tickets good for 48 hours. Headed straight to the British Museum, rivaled only by the Louvre for size and collections. Incredible ancient world artifacts. Tim and Emma then did Ripley's Believe It or Not, while Abbey, Katie, and I shopped along Oxford Street. Window-shopped to be truthful!! Wonderful New Year's Eve celebration; we watched Elton John on the "telly" and the fireworks too. Abbey and Katie took advantage of the free tube to head toward Westminster for close-up views.
New Year's Day seemed appropriate for Westminster Abbey. Very informative and entertaining audio tour. Saw the Poets Corner!!!! Had some pub fare at Sherlock Holmes Pub after walking to the London Eye but declining to wait in the very long line. Emma was thrilled -- she hailed the taxi to take us back.
Today was the Tower of London after the bus tour of central London. The Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) who was our guide infused British humor with history. His delivery made me think he could also be a stand-up comedian. Late lunch at a pub in the City (old city of London); Abbey and Katie did the Globe and St. Paul's.
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