Edgeware station, nearest our hostel, became our first stop of the morning. Due to an emergency, staff were needed else where and could not help us purchase our ticket. However, the officer was very friendly giving us advice. Notifying us tickets cost £8 at the moment and drop down to £6.60 after 9:30am. The wait was certainly worth it. Giving us about an hour we explored the streets of London until 9:30am enabling us to save money. Coming across Primark, a large department store we were floored at the price and variety of beautiful clothing. No wonder everyone in London looks nice. Beautiful clothing is everywhere and quite cheap. Shopping seems to be an everyday thing as most women carried atleast one shopping bag with them coming home from work. Although we could shop for hours there was no point in wasting daylight inside a store, not to mention we're both broke.
Buying our bus/tube pass allowed us access to any bus or tube within London for the day. Definitely a wise choice as we utilized the public transportation numerous times. Without such a pass we would have missed out on much of the city.
Leincester square, Picadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben were on the days schedule to visit. Accomplishing our goal we were glad to see all of them, however we miss calculated the energy it takes to do so. Exhausted and a bit crabby wishing we were back at the hostel for a nap we agreed tomorrow would be a slower pace with more rest.
Sadly, we missed changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, but we were still able to see the guards and their funny poofy hats.
No matter how hard I tried they still wouldn't let me in!
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| Just a bit of security...ouch! |
Let's just say the Palace gate is a bit fancier than your average white picket fence.
A police officer standing guard at the gate was talking to two young Irish lads about the Palace Guards (the ones in red, with the funny hats). This was a very interesting conversation to over to listen in on. He explained that they live just a couple blocks down the road. Inside the palace they have their own room where they change and eat, with a giant plasma screen T.V. However, they all live together when off duty. So you'll see them out in the bars or just around London. He described them as a band of brothers who do practically everything together. The lads were both interested in applying for a position, as the officer encouraged them to do so, letting them know some of the current guards are from Ireland. However, both became discouraged saying "I bet they're form Northern Ireland." It was very interesting hearing this separation come up in daily conversation. While in Northern Ireland I experience the tension and extreme separation Northern Ireland has from the Republic of Ireland, but I hadn't heard it come up when I was in the U.K. The officer reassured him that the palace hires from the Republic as well.
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| By best guarding pose. |
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| Calvary Guard |
Making our way to 10 Downing Street we were afforded a small glimpse of Number 10. It's one of the most famous addresses int he United Kingdom and the world. Almost three hundred years old, the building contains about one hundred rooms. There is a private residence on third floor and a kitchen int he basement. The other floors contain offices and numerous conference, reception, sitting and dining rooms where the Prime Minister works. Government ministers, National leaders and foreign dignitaries are also met and entertained here. There is an interior courtyard and, in the back, a terrace overlooking a garden adjacent to St. Jame's Park.
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| Number 10 is now closed off. |
For most of its history, Downing Street was accessible to the public. There was some security at Number 10 but it was minimal: a police officer standing guard. The front door has no keyhole on the outside. A second officer is on duty int he entrance hall to open it for the Prime Minister. In 1991 a mortar shell was launched at Number 10 thus the ensuing closure of the street and heavy security.
Big Ben was I indeed BIG. Quite the change from the very square concrete clocks and buildings I'm used to seeing in the states.
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| Big Ben |
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| Big Ben & I were synced! |
Picadilly circus was not really all that thrilling as it features a large screen similar to that of Times Square.
The less than exciting atmosphere was also due to the large amount of construction. All over London cranes dot the skyline.
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| 10 cranes can be counted in this photo, with many more behind me. |
After passing the 2012 Olympics countdown sign all of the construction made sense.
They are preparing for a massive influx within the next year.
Not to mention the 37,000 runners would take the street on Sunday for the London marathon. For the most part the marathon didn't have a huge impact on us other than a dew roads and bus routes closed temporarily in prepartion for the race.
Manager a Pret is a very popular cafe throughout London. Featuring natural fresh food made daily packages have no expiration date. Ingredients are purchased locally and quality is of high importance. I really like their motto and view on fresh food. Amazingly, their prices weren't too bad either. Hungry for dinner, having only a small budget and no kitchen in the hostel we stopped at Pret for sandwhiches.
A nearby park bench became our dinner table. Just like all of the other parks more beautiful flowers filled this one as well. The night before while trying to keep ourselves from going to bed at 6:30pm we searched for cheap activities in London. Stumbling upon £12.50 broadway tickets we eagerly purchased them for the following evening. Our hostel stff graciously printed our tickets for us for free. Most would make you pay.
Dream boats and Petticoats centers around a teenage romance in the 60's.
Throwback oldies played throughout the performance. It turned out to be a cute play and well worth the cheap ticket price. Abby C and both had a great time at the performance. Throughout the finale the actors and actresses encouraged everyone to stand up and dance along with them. You should have seen the baby boomers go nuts. I can only imagine my parents doing just the same.
The performance ended quite late. Taking the tube back to the hostel we turned in for the evening.
With Love from Galway
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