London

Ah, London.  Love at first sight.  We flew from Biarritz in France to Gatwick Airport on EasyJet, a passenger plane to which we had to walk across the tarmac.  We stayed at the Hub Premier Inn on Tothill Street in Westminster.  The hotel was very modern, with BLADE RUNNER-like features including a control panel over the bed through which you could control lighting and alerts for the staff not to disturb you.  The rooms really tiny, like shoe boxes.   It was fine; we would only sleep and shower there. 

Above, London Tower.  We stopped to see the Crown Jewels and lots or armor and weaponry.  Beefeeders strolled in full regalia and happily posed with tourists.

The London Tower Bridge.  We learned that it used to take dozens of men to run it.  Now, only twelve.  The engine room still houses the old turbines. We walked across the glass floor through which you can gaze down at the bridge.  Worth the trip.

We caught Love's Labour's Lost at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which is adjacent to the famous Globe Theater (no shows the week we were there).  This shot was taken at intermission, before the wonderful cast returned to bring this somewhat obscure of Shakespeare's comedies to life.  The material may not be the Bard's finest, but the production was performed with gusto.

Buckingham Palace the next day.  No photography allowed inside, love.  The tours are well worth the time.  We caught the famous changing of the guard before lunch, which culminated with a parade.  A must.

Our wanderings later took us to Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown, the latter in which we had our only disappointing meal (will have to research things better next time). It seemed all the worse as we had just had amazing Indian at Tandoor Chop House in Covent Garden (where we also later had excellent pizza at Franco Manca).  We ventured into Soho and hung in Trafalgar Square.  Too many pics to post here.  A lot of ground covered.

Westminster Abbey.  Photos also not allowed in the interior.  Wow, and wow.  Don't miss, well, anything.  I really liked the "Poets' Corner", floor markers/plaques under which the ashes of many famous such people reside.  By the way, our hotel was mere steps away.

The Churchill War Rooms site is highly recommended for WWII buffs and/or fans of ol' Winston.  These are the actual bunkers in which the army officer and eventual Prime Minister conducted his battle plans and spoke over the phone to U.S. Presidents as German bombers loomed high overground.  The rooms are designed to show strategy areas, sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and much more.  It is a warren of sights.  The Museum is also there and quite comprehensive.

The London "Eye" ferris wheel on the South Bank of the Thames.  We never did get on it.  Too much else to do in our five days.  It is one of the attractions of the "London Pass", which we used (and worth it to save $$ versus ala carte expenditures on attractions).

This is a view of the London Tower Bridge from the 69th floor of the Shard, a skyscraper that opened about five years ago.  The panoramic views of the city are stunning, especially at night.

Kensington Palace was our destination on Friday.  More ornate walls and ceilings, more great art.  The guides told fascinating stories (some involving a bit of decadence with chocolate) of past residents.

Outside the Palace is the famous Sunken Garden, once a favorite of Princess Diana (who has an exhibit detailing her fashions and philanthropy).  Harry and Meghan announced there engagement here as well.  It's a beautiful, tranquil area.

Down Kensington Road at Kensington Gore is Royal Albert Hall, which unfortunately had no concerts during our time in London.

After walking through the Notting Hill area, we stopped for "linner" at this fine establishment, the Sun in Splendour.  We hit a few pubs like this around town including the Bag O'Nails and The Hung, Drawn, & Quartered, the latter named after some of London's grisliest history.

The Underground or "tube" is the best way to get around London.  Traffic was often at a standstill and those on the double decker buses were stuck before they hopped off in frustration.  There are still announcements to "mine the gap between the train and the platform."

It wouldn't be London with a trip to Harrod's, a mammoth (one million square feet) department store that was founded in 1834.  Very upscale.  Six floors.  A food hall that looked amazing, and there are several other restaurants within.  I was hypnotized by many things, including the Christmas department.

Our last full day, Saturday began in the St. John's Wood area.  I'm sure you recognize this famous crossing.  Many tourists were trying to get a shot.  Abbey Road is a busy street; locals are patient (no honking horns).

Unfortunately, no current tours of the Studios are available.  The gift shop clerk informed us that they occur "every few years."

The wall out front encourages graffiti.  Don't look for any such art from the Beatles' era though; this wall is painted over every few years.

Our final trip was to Windsor Castle.  I'm sure you saw that big wedding there earlier this year.  We stood right where the Royal Couple did, and gazed at the multitude of banners and crests high above.  Wooden stalls nearby were described (via headset narration that sounded like that of Jeremy Irons) to seat many dignitaries throughout the year.  There is so much to take in, and it is exhausting.  The art and arsenals on display are some of the most astounding I've witnessed.

I've given you most of the highlights, but only a trickle of the delights to be found within each.  London instantly became my favorite city, and I look forward to many more adventures there.