A Few Hours in London

We landed in London about 1pm local time on Sunday, so 5am California time. All of us had slept some on the plane, so that was good, but we still staggered our way through Heathrow. We went through customs and then checked our bags into the Heathrow 'left baggage' area. It all went quickly. From there, we made our way to the Heathrow Express; 15 minutes later, we popped out at Paddington Station.

Tim had booked us a longer layover in London to allow for time to see his sister, Tessa, and her husband, Dean. Tessa and Dean met us at Paddington and we had a WONDERFUL time together.

The ultimate tour guides, Tessa and Dean took us to see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. We walked over to 10 Downing Street and then to Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. Tess and Dean shared that this particular Sunday was the nicest summer day they'd had in a while, weather wise. Seems like the weather's been cool and gray in London -- except on the day we visited, it was hot-hot-hot and sunny. 

After walking around some of London's famous sites, we headed toward Covent Garden and snapped up an available table at a local cafe. Delicious lemonades and yummy food revived us. We rested for a little while and then were off again, this time to the nearest Underground station. We had to get back to Paddington to jump on the Heathrow Express; our next flight awaited!

Speedy train to Paddington Station! Do we look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed? (The coffees in our hands can only do so much.)

"Hey, look kids, there's Big Ben." -- Clark Griswold

In front of Westminster Abbey (no royals were sighted).

I love this so much. Also, this poor person. It must have been at least 80 degrees outside.

Nelson's Column. Dean reminded me of Nelson's importance to the British -- and that he lost his right arm, which is reflected in this statue.

Walking through Trafalgar Square

Our whole crew back at Paddington Station. Thank you for an incredible afternoon, Tessa and Dean!


Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 5, 2024 at 6:01 PM

    And I thought I did London fast last year - LOL! So glad your kids got a taste of London though - such an extraordinary place.

    ReplyDelete

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