Boxing Day in London

Today we are off to see a few sights, and take some last photos of one of our favourite cities in the world.

Jacket, money, scarf, camera...CHECK.

All day metro pass....CHECK.

Umbrella....DOUBLE CHECK.

Let's go!!!

Tube travel from Bayswater to Westminster and we arrive right below Big Ben, across the Thames River from the London Eye and a few minutes walk to the Parliament Buildings, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square.

And a 20-30 minute walk to Buckingham Palace.  Here I am at the exact spot that Deb and I spent almost 30 hours camped out waiting for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011.  It is the Australian Gate in front of Buckingham Palace.  Kate and her father, in their limo, drove right passed us on the day of the wedding.  My most prized photograph.

We were jammed in there like sardines but it was the best adventure ever.

Heading down 'The Mall' on our way to Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace.

Follow me...I know the way.

Checking out the phones.....you have to when you are in London.  It's just so much fun.

Seriously, I will get so much use out of my new fascinator.

Deb with the horses at the Horse Guard.  

Check out the sign next to Debbie's head?  I'm just saying.

A guard at the Horse Guard.

I love the look of the bright fire engine red double decker buses on the old historic buildings in London.  This is along our way from Big Ben to Trafalgar Square along Whitehall.

Memorial to the Women of WWII.  

This statue of Nelson Mandela must be recent, within the last two years, as we didn't see it last time we visited.  Many tributes and flowers to mourn an incredible man.

Carriage rides....but Debbie loves to walk and she can....so maybe next time.

Head shot in front of Westminster Abbey.  I think I am getting better at this or my arm is getting longer?

As with the Princess Diana walks, this is from the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth's reign.  I stumbled (get it...stumbled) upon it near the Parliament Buildings.  They are embedded in the sidewalks and if you didn't look down once in a while, you might not see them.

The Golden Jubilee is also out as well...I did see a few.

Big Ben, the Parliament building and double deckers.  I love this picture.

The guards outside of St. James's Palace where Prince Charles and Camilla live.  Harry and William also lived here until recently.

The Queen Mother lived here until her death.  

Buckingham Palace.  When the flag is up, and it is, the Queen is in.

Really, she didn't answer my call for tea?  I'm sure she is busy.

Another Queen Victoria Monument right in front of Buckingham Palace.

I caught this Bride and Groom having their wedding photos taken with the monument as the back drop.

Guards and police everywhere the last few days in London.  As well as on horseback all over the city.

We ended our day by having a tradition English turkey dinner and apple pie at a nearby pub called 'Bag of Nails.'  Then back to the hotel to pack up and prepare to head to York, England tomorrow morning by bus.  

Bye London....we will be back....soon.