I can report that we had a good night’s sleep. I woke at 3:00 AM Friday morning but the next thing I knew it was 7:30. I finished the post and we had breakfast, then had a bit of free time to relax . Ann did Wordle in two tries! I didn’t know she also played the game. I worked on the New York Times spelling bee.
I’m so fortunate that Ann decided to join me and that we decided to meet in London, because she lived here during and after her university years and knows the city well. She looked up the bus map and was able to direct us to the best way to get there. We only had a short walk to catch the bus for our 11:45 Royal Tour.
We were to start at the Queen’s Gallery, then go to the Royal Mews and finish up with a visit the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace. As in Paris, we were able to ” jump the queue” because she brought her walking stick, which, as it turned out, was very convenient for our sightseeing..
But the best laid plans…you know the quote. We didn’t account for the 11:00 military parade or the crowds of tourists when we arrived there!
We mingled among the crowd of tourists to find the ticket office, where we picked up our tickets and began our visit to the Queen’s Gallery. We thought that the selection would include pictures from the Royal Collection, but were surprised to discover that there was a special exhibition about the culture of Japan. We were given free audio headsets with commentary and went on our way.
The exhibition dealt with the arts of Japan but also showed the relationship between Japan and the UK over the years. We were allowed to take photographs in this exhibition.
Our second stop was to the Royal Mews, where we saw the Royal Stables, harnassing rooms, and a wonderful collection of carriages. The crystal coach, made in Australia, was a sight to behold, and the coronation carriage was over the top in terms of size and opulence.
Our last visit was to the state rooms inside Buckingham Palace. No photography was allowed.
The massive structure and opulence of the building, designed by John Nash, is difficult to imagine unless you’ve been there to experience it in person. The fact that there is actually a family living there adds to the experience , as the viewer can see that it is not merely a historical monument but a family home and state house, where activities such as garden parties, visits of dignitaries and entertaining others goes on.
The tour ended outside in the garden and we immediately stopped by the cafe for tea for Ann, a sparkling lemon drink for me and cakes for both of us .Touring can be tiring.
The exit from the palace to the real world of contemporary London took us through Buckingham Palace gardens, where we admired the flora, fauna and water features.
We found a bus that returned us to our neighborhood and hunger overtook us The charming Italian restaurant owner beckoned and we checked the menu. We couldn’t refuse. I had lamb shanks, Ann had sardines, and we split a tiramisu.
We talked about our day and chuckled about the items at the gift shops, which were at all three venues, of course. The merchandising was clever, tasteful , and not cheap. Proceeds from the sales at the gift shops help to maintain and preserve the palace.
Tomorrow? We’re not sure. Perhaps a museum? We also have to prepare for our next journey. We’re flying away to our next destination Sunday.
