A lovely day! It started with Bob and Dad taking a run in downtown London along the Thames. Due to a mix-up in communication, Dad (Ray) and Bob ended up taking off for the run at different times which caused Mom to worry a little since Dad didn’t return quick enough. Turns out, he took a wrong turn (he said everything looks the same in this city–and, he is right), but after stopping into one of the hotels along the way, they quickly redirected him in the right direction to our Hotel. As you can imagine, Mom was not happy with him. Enough said on that topic.
After another beautiful breakfast, we took off for Buckingham Palace. We purchased the tickets more than a month before we left the States, and it is a tour for only about 25 people. Very private with personal attention. We had to go through screening, then received a badge, checked our bags and coats, then off we went through the amazingly glamorous State Rooms, up and down Christmas-adorned staircases, through King George the IV’s art gallery, the music room, ballroom(s), and the quarters where Prince William was baptized, along where him and Duchess Kate had wedding pictures that many of us have seen in that room. At the conclusion, laidies maids served champagne, juices and sparkling water for us to toast each other to a Royal Toast. How fun!
We concluded our day with shopping at the Royal Palace Gift Shop where we were able to purchase some unique items such as tea towels, a Christmas Ornament, and a few other small souvenir-type items. Then we took a walk to a London Pub–The PHoenix, and had burgers, fish and chips, coffee and this awesome cauliflower soup.
Here we are, back to our Hotel. Bob ran across the street to get a few items at the market (fruit, cheese and crackers, chocolate, water and coke), since we are calling it a day. Tomorrow we must be at the Train Station by 8:00 a.m. for our trip to Paris–it will be a long day, but when we get back, we will be sure to post the days experiences along with some pictures.
Again, Mom and Dad love to read your comments, and they are very fortunate to have such loving, beautiful friends that are so excited and happy for them as they embark on this journey.
Dear Ray and Gladys, well I can’t believe my efforts for you to meet Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth were not successful. At least you got quite a private tour of the palace and then served refreshments. Ray you must have a long run through the city, sorry you did not get back to your hotel very easy. Sue and I love all the great pictures that you are posting of the sights and of you both. It is wonderful to see how happy and great you both look in them. Lyn and Bob are some of the best family anyone could be blessed with and we love them for their dedicated love for you both and they were so nice to talk to when you retired from our church. We hope you continue to enjoy the trip and Now you are headed to Paris to enjoy France. Thanks again for the blog to keep up with your travels, sue and I love and are lucky to have you as friends. Have fun and take care. Thanks willy and sue
We are SO enjoying your adventures. Thank you for making us a part of their adventures.
The look in your eyes shows the joy you are having. Can’t wait to chat when back home.
Have more fun Hugs and Kisses & Don
Well Queen Gladys is beautiful (as usual) but King Ray looks cold. It is always cold in London, even in the Summer. Hopefully you all have a wonderful trip to Paris and back home to the good old USA> MERRY CHRISTMAS.