London, England

We finally made it to London.  We knew that we would eventually get here.  England is the last stop of our European experience.  It is a wonderful place to end a wonderful four months in Europe.  The first thing we noticed when we stepped off of the plane at Gatwick Airport is that everyone speaks English and the signs are in English.  This is the first country which we have visited where English is the official language since India.  Our friends, Debs and Glenn, generously invited us to stay with them in their Camberwell Green flat.  We stayed with them and had a wonderful time during our week in London.

BIG BEN

The symbol of London, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell, not the tower.  

Number 10 Downing Street is the residence of England's Prime Minister.  It is the equivalent, though perhaps more humble and understated, of our White House.

Red double-decker buses can be seen all over London carrying some tourists and even more locals.  Bus #12 was our bus.  We always jumped on and climbed directly to the top deck.

The Cabinet War Room, where Winston Churchill and his cabinet masterminded Britain's efforts against the Nazis in WWII.  Sealed beneath 9 feet of concrete, it provided refuge during the roughly 18 months that Britain was under siege.

Parliament at night as it reflects on the River Thames is a breathtaking site.

Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park.  The curious can come here during the afternoon on Sundays and listen to speakers preach about religion, politics, peace and love.  This Brit captured the attention of a large crowd and engaged many in a healthy debate.

The Millennium Bridge leads to St. Paul's Cathedral.  This was to be the first walking bridge in London, and it was also the first bridge to be built in over one hundred years.   Unfortunately, the Bridge was closed shortly after it first opened due to a wobble problem.  Apparently, the first lucky pedestrians to cross the bridge came off staggering and vomiting.  The engineer has left the country.

As you probably know, the English drive on the left hand side of the road.  As a safety precaution for tourists, they have painted reminders on the sidewalks that you must watch in the opposite direction from which you may be accustomed.  Kelly still cannot break the habit....either that, or she cannot read.

Continue with us to England Page 2.

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