LONDON

It was raining when we arrived at a crowded St Pancras International station.  We had to brave the weather and walk to our accommodation where Micky was waiting for us.  He was doing some last minute cleaning and was able to let us into the flat early.

The lounge.

The view from the balcony.  The flat is in a building very similar to the one shown here.

We needed basic supplies for dinner so we walked to the Brunswick centre in the rain, where we had lunch in a cafe before shopping at Waitrose.  I splurged on raspberries which were cheaper than home and tasted much sweeter.

Most already gone.

The next day we did not do much in the morning because of the heavy rain.  We decided to visit the National Archives at Kew to do some family research.

We had to walk from the train station at Kew Gardens in the rain but we finally made it.

On display at the Archives.

We did not have much success in finding anything new but it was warm and dry.

We headed home for a brief respite before taking a short walk to a local pub, The Harrison, for dinner.

Terry enjoying a beer.

Today was to be busy.  We set out, after breakfast, for Buckingham Palace to buy tickets.  We arrived during the Changing of the Guards ceremony, something we were not planning on.  People everywhere!

Taken through the fence.

When we got through the crowds, we lined up for tickets and got them for the 2.45 pm session.

We bought some souvenirs and walked to Victoria station information to buy tickets for the London Eye later.

After that we a snack and walked back to the Palace to wait.

It was not long and we were called.  Through security, given auto guides and we were on our way.

No photos allowed inside.  Many famous portraits of the Royal Family were on view.  There was an exhibition on Royal Childhood in commemorating Prince George's first birthday.  At the end, we went into the garden area, but no stepping on the grass.  

At the end, with the headphones

More souvenirs bought and then we had to find our way to the bus to Waterloo to go on the London Eye.

Buckingham Palace viewed from the gardens.

When we reached the London Eye, we had to redeem our tickets for correct tickets then line up although that did not take long.  Finally, we were in a capsule.

Palace of Westminister and Big Ben

The London Eye

We stopped for pancakes, strawberries, cream or ice cream the walked across the bridge to the underground and home.

Today was to be a quieter one.  We relaxed for a while, then walked to Euston Station preparing for the trip the next day.  We then went to Kings Cross platform 93/4.

We went to the Harry Potter Shop but did not overspend.  There was a pub nearby so we had lunch there.

Terry was tired so we went in separate directions.  He went home and I went to the British Library where I viewed the Treasures including some of the original Beatles work.

It was late night shopping so I caught the Number 10 bus to Oxford Street.

After shopping, I caught the number 10 back to Kings Cross and wLked home.

Tomorrow our visit to London ends.

In the train to Glasgow