Kath and Ray left Vancouver late on Tuesday 19 July after a departure delay of about 3 hours arriving Heathrow London mid-afternoon 20 July. Our Days Hotel was a short distance by rail from the airport No 5 terminal to Hounslow on the Piccadilly line, then a 200 metre walk to the hotel. Travel into central London then was a simple trip back on the train affectionately known as "the tube". The Oyster card we had purchased in NZ for London travel was brilliant. Just put it on the sensor at the people turnstiles at the entrance to the station or getting on a bus and carried on. No fuss! Once in London we just walked the tourist route over the two full days we we there, 21-22 July as it was mid-afternoon when we arrived on the 20th so got organised and experienced a Pub meal near the hotel. Below are a few photos and comments of London.
The usual first stop Buckingham Palace. Gates were open but we did not have an invite.
A visit to the Royal Mews was very interesting however the horses are not now kept there on a permanent basis. Periodically they all are taken to the stables for the Queen to inspect and two where there when we visited for public interest. All the coaches are stored here on display.
The gold coach has pride of place but is seldom used due to its weight and discomfort to ride in. Weighing 4 tonnes and suspended on heavy leather straps suspending it like being on a hammock. It was last used for the Queens 50th Jubilee.
A dress form in a window at Buckingham Palace.
Statues and figues everywhere usually celebrating the old warlords, monarchs or politicians.
A reminder that once the city buildings were heated by open fireplaces usually fueled by coal.
Then electricity generated by coal steam turbines located beside the river Thames to provide water and cooling. This may now also be obsolete with the advent other systems.
A city of monumental historic buildings fully maintained and used to varying levels adding to the history and pagentry found in most European cities but nowhere more so than London being the home of the British Royal family and the pagentry that is maintained. It is a tourist magnet.
They decend on the city from throughout the world, who together with itinerant workers in many shop and food outlets speaking broken English makes communication somewhat variable. Here Kath crossing the Thames with Parliament Buildings and Big Ben in the background.
Typical evening skyline.
An overview from the top of the "Eye", the huge "ferris wheel" which is well worth the ride taking half an hour to complete a revolution. Travelling so slow that it does not stop to get on and off.
London is not all old buildings and paved streets. Parks and water areas areas exist. However while there may not be a charge to walk on the grass or stand in the shade of a tree there is a charge to sit on the deck chairs seen here hence the availability!!
A visit to the Royal Mews was very interesting however the horses are not now kept there on a permanent basis. Periodically they all are taken to the stables for the Queen to inspect and two where there when we visited for public interest. All the coaches are stored here on display.
The gold coach has pride of place but is seldom used due to its weight and discomfort to ride in. Weighing 4 tonnes and suspended on heavy leather straps suspending it like being on a hammock. It was last used for the Queens 50th Jubilee.
A dress form in a window at Buckingham Palace.
Statues and figues everywhere usually celebrating the old warlords, monarchs or politicians.
A reminder that once the city buildings were heated by open fireplaces usually fueled by coal.
Then electricity generated by coal steam turbines located beside the river Thames to provide water and cooling. This may now also be obsolete with the advent other systems.
A city of monumental historic buildings fully maintained and used to varying levels adding to the history and pagentry found in most European cities but nowhere more so than London being the home of the British Royal family and the pagentry that is maintained. It is a tourist magnet.
They decend on the city from throughout the world, who together with itinerant workers in many shop and food outlets speaking broken English makes communication somewhat variable. Here Kath crossing the Thames with Parliament Buildings and Big Ben in the background.
Typical evening skyline.
An overview from the top of the "Eye", the huge "ferris wheel" which is well worth the ride taking half an hour to complete a revolution. Travelling so slow that it does not stop to get on and off.
London is not all old buildings and paved streets. Parks and water areas areas exist. However while there may not be a charge to walk on the grass or stand in the shade of a tree there is a charge to sit on the deck chairs seen here hence the availability!!
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