Monday, September 22, 2008

C&C in London

My sister, Carrie, and I went to London this past week for a few days so we could explore the city since it is Carrie's first trip to England. We took the train from our town and landed at Paddington Station and then stayed nearby in Hyde Park. After depositing our suitcase at the hotel, our first stop off the Tube was Westminster. We saw Big Ben, Parliament, and then went to Westminster Abbey. We had a tremendous time touring the Abbey and were in awe of the hundreds of very famous dead people who are buried there. 
The beautiful front of Westminster Abbey. 
Carrie in Parliament square with Big Ben in the background.
The next morning, we went to the Kensington area and not only did we tour the only Whole Foods in England (I found Libby's canned pumpkin which I am very pleased about for fall baking - it is no where to be found in the local grocery stores here), but we also toured Kensington Palace. The palace currently has an exhibit displaying some of Princess Diana's dresses which was probably best seen with my sister as opposed to my husband
Cassie in front of Kensington Palace. These are the famous gates that were blanketed with mounds of flowers when Princess Diana died.
That afternoon, Carrie treated me to a birthday outing with tickets to see CHICAGO. We sat in great seats and loved every minute of the performance!
C&C outside the Cambridge Theater before seeing CHICAGO. 
Our final day in London was packed with more sightseeing - a visit to the Portobello Market in Notting Hill, to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards, an afternoon break for an extravagant ice cream sundae at Fortnum & Mason, and then a quick visit to see London Bridge and the Tower of London.
A vendor at Portobello Market. I could not believe how many beautiful antique silver pieces were being sold by vendors at this market. I could have spent all day browsing around!
The changing of the guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. One of the guards actually passed out in the middle of the ceremony (unfortunately no photo taken of that incident).
Here we are in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace. 
Our afternoon "snack" at Fortnum & Mason in the Parlor Restaurant. Yum! 
Carrie in front of London Bridge. 
Our final meal in London could not have been less English but could not have been tastier....an early dinner at the Texas Embassy - probably the only Mexican restaurant on this island! 
Our sister travels continue tomorrow, as we head to Paris for a few days and I must get packing! 

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