I met C over the summer when we spent
dreamy days sailing around the coast of Maine and even dreamier evenings
huddled around a campfire. We ended up exploring Boston together en route to
New York. When she told me she was spending a semester in Copenhagen I squealed
with excitement and duly invited her to visit London… and boy am I glad that I
did. Not only did I get to hang out with the lovely girl again, I re-discovered
the charms and delights that London offers, that often go unnoticed. Luckily
enough, we even got to see the Queen… now that’s something that doesn’t happen
everyday! We decided on one jam-packed day of sightseeing, crunching out the
highlights so that we could spend the rest of her trip partying and hang out.
So, for anyone who has a little visitor and wants to tick off all the
“must-sees” in one day…
Coffee in hand, a brisk walk to Primrose
Hill and all the way to the top. One of the best views in London and with the
crunchy leaves, this could not have been a better start to the day! Sitting at
the top, we took in the beautiful architecture, discussing all the things that
we would be seeing later that day! The adorable dogs being taken on morning
walkies by their glamorous owners was a definite added treat!
Walking down from the top of Primrose Hill
A quick change of scene down south, walking
along the Thames and ticking off Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and
all that this area has to offer… not forgetting a short stop to Borough Market
to refuel! C opted a highly recommended Duck Confit sandwich and I went for a
pescetarian-friendly meal at Fish!.
Waddling along in a food-induced coma, we reached the Millennium Bridge which
we duly crossed to take in the magnificence of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Obligatory Tower Bridge photograph.
Duck Sandwich! ... I hear its delicious!
On the Millennium Bridge.
Off to Westminster! Close to the station we
managed to tick off the Big Three: Houses of Parliament (Big Ben included),
London Eye and Westminster Abbey.
Pow-Wow-ing Big Ben, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey!
Then a stroll through Victoria for our
Royal Appointment! All along our route, we made jokes about the abnormal amount
of times I was asked in New York over the summer “OMG do you know the Queen?”
upon hearing my British accent. Turning to C I said, “Well darling, you know
we’re going to her house. She may invite us in for tea.” Laughing all the way
to the Palace, C could not reign in her excitement! When we saw a crowd of
people around open gates, I barely had a second to pause before C zoomed right
into the thick of the crowds. After waiting for 2 minutes (…I don’t like
waiting so much) we decided not to wait, especially as no one knew what was
going on and who was coming out. We even joked that knowing our luck it would
probably be the cleaners of the Palace coming out after their shift. Just as we
turned our heels, the barrier was let down and a convoy of police motorbikes
zoomed past us… and then a Rolls Royce carrying no less than HRH Queen
Elizabeth II wearing a gorgeous blue hat and an even more gorgeous smile! As
the last tourist spot on our schedule, C could not have been more thrilled by
what had happened. I, on the other hand, looked at the photos I had taken of
HRH to find that in the only photo I took, the Queen’s face was obstructed by a
bar on her car! Still cheery, we walked through Green Park up to the Wolseley
for a well-deserved tea break…
Ooh! Someone's coming out!
....
Queenie's Blue Hat!!!
Phonecall back to America to let the parents know that they have a new son-in-law (a.k.a. Prince Harry)
Walk through Green Park (or Orange Park?!) for tea at The Wolseley
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