ourcampersbeentrashed
Free Member
Wow funsters
What a time we have had
We went to central London and despite the timing frankie didnt get to see the whole changing of the guard ceremony - there were so many tourists and the police operations have significantly changed since I last attended this.
She enjoyed watching the military band and had a small view but not what I had hoped for her.
From there we went to Buckingham Palace. WOW. The grand staircase was much less work than I thought it would be, you would hardly know you were walking upstairs. The elegance and splendour you would have to see for yourselves, however I felt it was good value for money as london attractions go today.
We saw Princess Catherine's dress & shoes and her bouquet (which was quite surprising at it was laid on a grave in Westminster Abbey) and there was a video showing how the dress was made and the shoes tailored which was very interesting.
The palace was so enthralling it took nearly a quarter of the day in itself and we indulged (thanks to frankies generosity) in a sandwich and coffee overlooking the palace gardens in their dedicated cafe. I nearly fell through the floor when I saw the prices.
From there we walked through the park, passed downing street, visited the guards museum shop (who ripped frankie off) and then on to Horseguards Parade
Horseguards was sadly being done up for the olympics volleyball so not as magnificant as it usually is, however, she got to see face to face Her Majesty's Lifeguards in their full shining regalia both on foot and on horseback.
From there we walked to the Houses of Parliament and for the first time ever my luck changed and we ended up with two complimentary tour tickets. She really enjoyed it and learnt some history too.
By this time my hip was in agony and my torn ligament throbbing but we trailed onward to mcdonalds in victoria street with a short detour to New Scotland Yard.
I wanted to show her the book of rememberance, because its specially lit and they turn the page everyday but with the new security measures it wasnt possible.
From there we walked to Victoria Station where we bought her ticket to Cheynes and caught a bus back to the London Eye
She didnt want to chance the height as it was a little windy so we caught the clipper ferry boat (luck number 2 - a free ticket for both of us). We travelled down to the tower of london, sneaked a quick coffee in my favourite hotel and caught a bus back to the tower of london just in time for 9.30pm.
My goodness how time flies
Well Frankie had pole position for the ceremony of the keys which is the closing ceremony of the Tower of London - the last time I went they only allowed 10 members of the public at a time and there were far far more than this on that evening. I was quite surprised.
For me it was very emotional, I always cry at the last post, as I remember many friends killed in the falklands, the regents park bombing and the iranian embassy seige and of course my dad.
Frankie really seemed to enjoy it.
We caught a ferry back to embankment and managed to catch the last 2 trains home.
By this time it was about 1am and we were both exhausted.
I really hope she enjoyed her time with us. Its been a real pleasure having her with us.
On her way back she did hint, not London tomorrow please, so I had a chilled day planned which totally went out the window with a tooth disaster.
After 2 hours of phone calls and internet searches I finally found a private dentist to sort out frankies tooth problem.
Its now nearly midnight and she is playing on the Wii with Robert - I am so pleased he asked her to join in and they are laughing as we type.
I am quite sad she is leaving tomorrow (Sunday), I will miss the laughing and the fun.
To anyone hosting her,
She is very easy to feed, she may have a small glass of red wine if offered, she occasionally enjoys cider but does not drink Champagne.
In the morning she likes her coffee white with one sugar but for the rest of the day it is black with one sugar, but her favourite drink is water, so be prepared have loads chilled for her xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
She is a fantastic funster and the easiest guest to please that has ever stayed with us xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Frankie I hope you have a fabulous time in the UK xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What a time we have had
We went to central London and despite the timing frankie didnt get to see the whole changing of the guard ceremony - there were so many tourists and the police operations have significantly changed since I last attended this.
She enjoyed watching the military band and had a small view but not what I had hoped for her.
From there we went to Buckingham Palace. WOW. The grand staircase was much less work than I thought it would be, you would hardly know you were walking upstairs. The elegance and splendour you would have to see for yourselves, however I felt it was good value for money as london attractions go today.
We saw Princess Catherine's dress & shoes and her bouquet (which was quite surprising at it was laid on a grave in Westminster Abbey) and there was a video showing how the dress was made and the shoes tailored which was very interesting.
The palace was so enthralling it took nearly a quarter of the day in itself and we indulged (thanks to frankies generosity) in a sandwich and coffee overlooking the palace gardens in their dedicated cafe. I nearly fell through the floor when I saw the prices.
From there we walked through the park, passed downing street, visited the guards museum shop (who ripped frankie off) and then on to Horseguards Parade
Horseguards was sadly being done up for the olympics volleyball so not as magnificant as it usually is, however, she got to see face to face Her Majesty's Lifeguards in their full shining regalia both on foot and on horseback.
From there we walked to the Houses of Parliament and for the first time ever my luck changed and we ended up with two complimentary tour tickets. She really enjoyed it and learnt some history too.
By this time my hip was in agony and my torn ligament throbbing but we trailed onward to mcdonalds in victoria street with a short detour to New Scotland Yard.
I wanted to show her the book of rememberance, because its specially lit and they turn the page everyday but with the new security measures it wasnt possible.
From there we walked to Victoria Station where we bought her ticket to Cheynes and caught a bus back to the London Eye
She didnt want to chance the height as it was a little windy so we caught the clipper ferry boat (luck number 2 - a free ticket for both of us). We travelled down to the tower of london, sneaked a quick coffee in my favourite hotel and caught a bus back to the tower of london just in time for 9.30pm.
My goodness how time flies
Well Frankie had pole position for the ceremony of the keys which is the closing ceremony of the Tower of London - the last time I went they only allowed 10 members of the public at a time and there were far far more than this on that evening. I was quite surprised.
For me it was very emotional, I always cry at the last post, as I remember many friends killed in the falklands, the regents park bombing and the iranian embassy seige and of course my dad.
Frankie really seemed to enjoy it.
We caught a ferry back to embankment and managed to catch the last 2 trains home.
By this time it was about 1am and we were both exhausted.
I really hope she enjoyed her time with us. Its been a real pleasure having her with us.
On her way back she did hint, not London tomorrow please, so I had a chilled day planned which totally went out the window with a tooth disaster.
After 2 hours of phone calls and internet searches I finally found a private dentist to sort out frankies tooth problem.
Its now nearly midnight and she is playing on the Wii with Robert - I am so pleased he asked her to join in and they are laughing as we type.
I am quite sad she is leaving tomorrow (Sunday), I will miss the laughing and the fun.
To anyone hosting her,
She is very easy to feed, she may have a small glass of red wine if offered, she occasionally enjoys cider but does not drink Champagne.
In the morning she likes her coffee white with one sugar but for the rest of the day it is black with one sugar, but her favourite drink is water, so be prepared have loads chilled for her xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
She is a fantastic funster and the easiest guest to please that has ever stayed with us xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Frankie I hope you have a fabulous time in the UK xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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