SOUTH KENSINGTON–LONDON– I’ve been to London to visit the Queen.

(quote, nursery rhyme Pussycat, pussycat where have you been)

But she wasn’t home!

Its okay, we still got to look inside, along with the thousands of other people who had booked in for that day.

It was amazing, gold and opulent.

No photos from inside as not allowed (poo).

Apart from the state rooms we saw a display of the royal collection of Faberge.

AND a exhibition of how they made the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding gown.

Plus, the dress itself, the shoes bouquet and cake.

The classically simple dress was far more complicated to make and design than it seemed.

We did have one mishap when we got ‘separated’ from Mum & Dad.

(I knew I should have got those tracking devices).

They thought we were ahead of them and we thought they were behind us, when they were actually a long way ahead….

I did tell a man in a uniform that I had lost my parents – but he didn’t seem overly concerned!

Eventually, we found each other again – thanks to our mobile phones.

Until next time, Kim

SOUTH KENSINGTON–LONDON – Another day, another museum.

An easy walk today up the road to the Museum of Natural History.

Its a beautiful building and we spent hours there looking at the exhibits.

 

The blue whale is huge and took up most of the room it was in.

Very busy there, lots of people with rude children…

Here is ‘Dippy’ the dinosaur in the great hall.

Can you spot Mum & Dad in the above shot?

here they are.

 

4th September 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Until next time, Kim

SOUTH KENSINGTON – LONDON – A touch of the sun.

In an effort to give our feet time to recover we decided on a leisurely cruise down the Thames to Hampton Court Palace.

Mum and Dad had a  tour of the Palace.

As we had been there before, we had a look at the gardens which have been improved since our last visit.

Then we laid down on the grass and had a little snooze with the squirrels while we waited for Mum & Dad!!

We had dinner in Richmond and then took the tube home to south Kensington.

I’m sunburnt, but the feet are better…

September 3rd 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Until next time, Kim

SOUTH KENSINGTON – LONDON – Birthday Boys choice

Its Dads birthday, (73rd) so we let him choose the itinerary for today.

So we started the day with a ferry ride on the Thames to Greenwich.

Here is 0 degrees longitude, they are my feet again! Last time I was here, 9 years ago, this line was a awful flashing disco laser light which was bizarre. They seem to be taking themselves more seriously now!

At the Greenwich observatory, on the 0 degrees line, (everyone has a handbag)…

Also, they have display on the invention of clocks and time as we know it, including the first clock. (the picture below is the 4th).

  

This is the uniform that Nelson was wearing when shot and killed during the battle of Trafalgar.

It is behind glass and that is his portrait on the wall behind reflecting like a ghost on the sleeve.

2nd September 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Then this evening we all went out for a special Birthday dinner.

After wandering around looking at all the crowded Friday night restaurants we found a very posh little place which was down at basement level. It was also empty apart from us! Which as a shame because although the food was pricey and small in serves it was beautiful and delicious! They even brought out a surprise birthday cupcake with a candle.

Until next time, Kim

SOUTH KENSINGTON–LONDON– Moments in the city

I think we need tracking devices on all members of this tour party!

Because someone's going to wander off and get lost before too long.

I shall refrain from telling tales of my parents adventure on their morning walk or of Mum’s close encounter with Wellingtons tomb. This may embarrass them and get me into trouble! 

However I had my own moment when I was trying to poke at a butt bin thinking it was the traffic light crossing button… hummm.

Graham leads us around like the good tour guide he is – he needs a little flag so we can find him in the crowd.

Anyway, today we went to Covent Garden.

I bought a nice amber pendant and Mum shopped too,,,

Then we toured St Pauls Cathedral.

They have audio tours using ipods which was a new experience for us ipodly challenged and I wasted a lot of time just trying to work out how to use the blasted thing. Then it waffled on and gave out too much information.

We walked up the 257 steps to the whispering galley, and I really think this is when I damaged my right foot again.

(But we all have sore feet tonight)

Graham and I have been to St Pauls before, but things change. (especially the entry price).

Then we went off to the Museum of London

This is the Lord Mayors Coach

1st September 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Until next time, Kim

SOUTH KENSINGTON – LONDON – Family Reunion

Mum and Dad have arrived and were keen to get out and see the sights

despite their lack of sleep.

But first we had to return the  horrible little car,, Yeh!

Then took Mum & Dad for their first Tube experience.

We visited the former home of the Duke of Wellington, Aspley House.

Then across the road to the Wellington Arch.

The apartment is nice, great location near south Kensington tube station.

 

31st August 2011 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Until next time, Kim