Wicked

Yesterday's post was courtesy of Emily. Tonight's post will be a collaborative effort prepared on Lynn's iPhone (thank you to Robert for the bluetooth wireless keyboard he brought over the pond). 

So the morning began with a beautiful view of the Shannon River from our B&B. This was our favorite B&B so far - such great proprietors, an amazing view of the countryside, if only we had another day to stay and relax there. They left us a sweet note as we had to have breakfast bright and early before our flight to London. 

Next, we took our taxi to the Shannon airport for our flight to London. We will no longer complain about the plane drinks and teeny snacks on US domestic flights; as we learned today you must pay 2.5 pounds for a cup of coffee!  Flight was uneventful, and we successfully navigated the tube (shoutout to Robert for being our constant tour director/guide!)

We checked in to our matchbox room, I mean hotel; followed by lunch. It's going to be a cozy couple of days. Our bunk bed situation is best described by Rhonda, "Wicked". We had a picnic lunch followed by a brief trip to the British library to visit the treasures room.

Then, we experienced our first London taxi - be advised, there is no seat in the front, instead movie theatre pop down seats in the back so all four of us could fit.

To St. Paul's Cathedral we go! Robert and Emily went to Old Bailey's while Rhonda and Lynn took a first look around the Cathedral. Old Bailey is the criminal court - we went to listen in to a fraud case. The judge & lawyers had on wigs and robes, quite a historic kind of afternoon! Then, we met up at St. Paul's Cathedral. It was quite beautiful and fascinating. We were touring as the choir practiced for evensong, what a delight!

We began our first walking tour - Rick Steves had us walking miles and miles, well maybe we were hunting for the beginnning of the tour. By the time we thought we were ready to begin, we had passed by half of the landmarks. Alas, we enjoyed the parts that we followed. We went through a few very cute alleyways, that have been restored with new urban housing. Grabbed a bite to eat in the middle of the tour, at the Cheshire Cheese, a favorite pub of Dr. Johnson. Great food, and great atmosphere.

us with our podcasts - nerd alert.

Last but not least, we visited the London Eye, a giant enclosed bubble ferris wheel, that allows 360 degree views of the city of London. What a great place for pictures, as well as seeing lots of sights from afar. We walked across the Golden Jubliee bridge and yes, we met and had tea with the Queen! What an unexpected surprise. Okay, okay, we are getting carried away. We just got a bit of fresh air and caught a taxi back for the night.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!

-Emily, Robert, Rhonda, and Lynn

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine