Day 14 London, UK

Another very special day in London. Today Alanna was at school. Therefore we were very impressed with ourselves being able to make our way via two tube lines and a train to Windsor. It took about one and a half hours in all to get there and the train ride from Waterloo Station was lovely and showed us many views of housing in London. Windsor Castle was only 2 minutes walk from the station. We found a large crowd on either side of the road and lots of police managing everyone. It was our good luck that we had unknowingly arrived for the changing of the guards which only happens three times a week at 11 am. The guards march through the town up to the castle where they change over. All very impressive. We then entered the castle along with crowds of people, so were in a long chain of people throughout the tour. The audio guide was excellent as we explored the state rooms and the chapel and it is a truly beautiful place to visit. We found it remarkable that the restoration following the fire was unnoticeable considering how much damage was done. We then wandered back into the small town where we enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Prince Harry, a local pub. We had a lovely stroll around the main shopping area and then headed back to the train. Our trip was the reverse of the morning one, and by now the tube carriages were packed. Actually wondered how we would fit in. I’m not sure how people cope with it every day! We came home in time to refresh and Alanna arrived having come straight from school. We headed back into town at 6pm and we wandered down Regent Street to have another look at Christmas lights and also go to Fortnum and Mason department store. The lights and shop displays there were incredible, especially the hanging Christmas puddings. The outside was also jaw dropping as it was lit up like an advent calendar. The lights, the noise, the buses, the mild temperature, and the crowds and crowds of people everywhere created such an atmosphere and we shared it all with Brenna and Pippa as we walked along with them on FaceTime. Technology!! We then went to a very cool Chinese restaurant- Plum Valley in China Town, which Alanna had booked. We headed back to Tottingham Court Road underground where there is a very sophisticated light display on all four walls and the roof. Not so special was watching many mice running along the station tracks and platform! We were then back on the tube for our last ride for the day! We fly to Cork tomorrow, via Heathrow.Leggi altro