We arrived late in the afternoon of Christmas eve in London and got to our flat (that we has found through AirB&B). The owner, Marius, met us at the flat to show us around the unit before heading out for his own holiday events. Waiting for us were a few “treats” that he had kindly gotten for us.

We were informed that everything would be closed on Christmas and if we wanted anything to eat we had better head over to the local grocery store and get a few things. Good advice! The store was mobbed and nearly sold out of many items. “Closed” means “closed” in England, not “reduced hours” as in America! No stores, resturants, pubs….nothing. Although there are Starbucks coffee shops on every other corner (where’s the English tea?) they too were closed and the only one we found open was outside of London Tower and was packed. No wonder! It’s cold and there is no place open to get out of the wind and sit down for a moment.

We did find these guys selling carmelized almonds and peanuts out on the streets. They weren’t roasted chestnuts but they sure were good!

We walked over the Tower Bridge.
The London Tower, built to be large and imposing over the river and the surrounding area is dwafted by the immense skyscapers that now surround it.

What better place to be on Christmas Day then the famous St Paul’s Cathedral?

We walked throughout the City of London which is actually the financial district, the Wall St of London, but because of the holiday the streets were empty.

So back to the flat we came to enjoy a dinner of ravioli and salad and a movie on Netfix!
The 26th is Boxing Day, another national holiday, but a big shopping day for the locals so we will see what we can find open. The adventure continues!