On Holiday

"Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat where have you been?"
"I've been to London to visit the queen."

"Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat what did you there?"
"I frightened a little mouse under her chair!"


We knocked and knocked on the gate at Buckingham Palace, but her Majesty apparently wasn't expecting us. Hoping to get an invite to one of her two summer garden teas. With 4,000 invitations going out to each tea, chances are good wouldn't you say?

We came across this bra-ed all male biking group at the Tower of London. No questions asked, but I'm guessing the equivalent of a cancer walk? Or maybe just touring offbeats.



No visit to England is complete without the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle with all its pomp and pageantry. This royal band assembled as part of that. I was expecting full British formality to burst forth in music. You can imagine my utter surprise when they broke out into.....wait for it......wait for it.....a medley of Glee songs!!!!

This is a pleasant little garden at the base of Windsor Castle where the queen and her family spend weekends. The last time I was at Windsor a fire had prevented tourists from any viewing, but this time we got to romp through several of the state rooms as well as see the dollhouses! I know I was royalty in another life because it feels so at home when I am allowed a glimpse into opulence. Commoner? I think not.

Fish and chips and mmmmmmmm...the green stuff was "mashed peas". That tradition must date back to medieval torture days.
Highlights: 3 West End plays (Wicked, Dreamboats and Petticoats, and Wizard of Oz!); 3 Wallace and Gromit finds at Hamley's; Wallace and Gromit Christmas stamps at the Post; Italian Renaissance art at the National Gallery; Cadbury chocolates; and just a titch of English rain!
Tomorrow, a little splash of Paris, observations and conclusions, and the wrap-up.