The days are racing by and we are trying to see and do everything that we had hoped to do when we started this adventure.
We decide that although we do not make “tourist attractions” our main goal we would like to walk by Buckingham Palace, the residence of the Queen. I understand that when she is not in residence the Union Flag flies over the palace. It is flying today, so I guess we will not be having her invite us in for “a spot of tea”.
In summer months the Changing of the Guard happens every day. In the winter they change every other day. By “changing of the guard” it is meant as the full production with the soldiers marching in unison and the ceremony that is known the world over.
It is “the other day” so there is no ceremony expected today (thus no crowds) so imagine my surprise when police on horseback are telling everyone to move back. Following on horseback are the guard. They obviously still need to change because although the changing of the guard is a ceremony it is also the change of one 24 hour shift of guards to the next shift. This happens everyday whether there is a ceremony or not.
Directly across from the palace is the Victoria Memorial
With a bird on her head
We walk fhrough Green Park
And there is still another memorial. I guess with a country as old as the UK you have so many years of combat with someone or another and each wants to be remembered (hopefully as the last) so you will find an endless display of memorials.
We meet back up with Inez and Sebastian and head over to Borough Market to find something to make for our last dinner in London. We have been there numerous times as our first flat was within blocks of it but they have never been. It is an explosion for the senses.
Fresh fruits and veggies. Fresh cheeses and breads. Pasta and meats.
Once back to the flat Tom and I decide to take one last walk around the neighborhood we are staying in. Around Sloane Square,
Through the mall,
To the Saatchi Gallery.
And before we know it, it is time to leave London.
It’s a long flight, we know that, but we get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Good thing too! They are telling us that there is a problem with Tom’s ticket. We had booked the whole thing through Alaska Airlines and their partner British Air.
Luckily we had the help of this lovely British Air service rep that spent an hour on TWO phones at the same time talking to service reps all over the world to resolve the problem. Our hero!
And now it is time to board our chariot back to the US.
Check. That’s one for the bucket list!