London

Rented a two bedroom apartment, in Marylebone, just 5 minutes from the Baker St Tube.  Excellent location, really central and had every modern convenience including a bidet.  Cheaper and more spacious than staying in a hotel and we could cook if we wanted to. Weather was good, only had rain on one morning which we spent in the British Museum seeing the rest of the ancient antiquities that the British had managed to ‘obtain’ from Greece, Rome and Egypt.  London is looking stunning in the wake of the Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic.  All the buildings have been cleaned and everything gold has been repainted.  Very sparkly.  Quite a lot of Jubilee exhibitions on at various venues too.

Highlights  

Tower of London – hilarious ‘Beefeater’ guide who took us on an introductory tour, gave us a rundown of the history and ‘dished us all the dirt’.  We then spent several hours exploring the tower environs including the various towers, the ravens and of course the crown jewels in all their splendour.

The Globe Theatre – reconstructed using 16^th century techniques to resemble the 1599 open air theatre where Shakespeare wrote many of his great plays, thanks to the drive of the American actor San Wanamaker.  Even has wall hanging from NZ quilt makers.

Royal Albert Hall – once again a ‘live wire’ guide.  Did you know it was funded by selling seats or that the artists hire the venue or that the queen has a royal retiring room?  Got to see the ‘Royal Box’ too.

Stunning new ‘Bomber Command Remembrance Monument’ that dad flew to the UK for the opening.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms – only open for a few months of the year (timing is everything).  Lavishly furnished.  Also had a special exhibition of royal jewellery worn over the past 200 years. The ball room is was something to be seen.

The Royal Mews – Supposedly one of the finest working stables and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages.  We saw the royal coach used in wedding processions and the dazzling gold state coach used in every coronation since 1821 and needs 8 horses to pull it as it is so heavy.

Westminster Abbey – where most British monarchs have been crowned since 1066 and the ‘great and good’ have been interred. Expensive to see a church - 16 pounds but the up side was that we got to listen to the silky voice of Jeremy Irons as he did the audio guide commentary.

Winston Churchill’s War Rooms – the original underground headquarters that sheltered Churchill and his wartime government.  Quite a rabbit warren.  They just walked out and left it.  Gave one another perspective of what life during the blitz was like. Also has a huge interactive museum attached.

Houses of Parliament – these too are only open to visitors when parliament is not in session.  Officially called ‘the Palace of Westminster’ and when you see inside you can understand why.  They truly are quite palatial, especially the House of Lords.  They have renamed the tower where ‘Big Ben’ is the ‘Elizabeth Tower’ to honour the Queen in her Diamond Jubilee year. Bet you didn’t know that!

Harrods – well of course one has to go.  Just as expensive as I remember.  I was even asked if I had a ‘Harrods card’ when I was making a purchase.  I obviously look like the sort of client who shops there regularly.  Of course I am not surprised by that!

Great Museums – London has them all.  The Tate, the Natural History, the Albert and Victoria.

Changing of the Guard – beautiful fine day and very crowded.  Once again something you have to do.  Great to see the pageantry.  The mounted police do a wonderful job controlling the masses.

Finally the shows!!!!!!!!!!  What a choice.  We saw ‘Let it Be’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Lion King’.  Probably ‘Wicked’ was by favourite.  Would have loved to have seen more.  Billy Elliot, Top Hat not to mention all the plays.