London is such a terrific city and I couldn't ever get tired of it. I do, however, get tired of walking along very crowded sidewalks! We are not used to dodging oncoming pedestrians and I always feel like I'm in somebody's way!
The Commodore and I walked nearly 8 miles today and covered a lot of territory! We walked the "Mall" and tried to visit Queen Bess. She was at home in Buckingham Palace but was busy with the President of Singapore who we saw leaving in his motorcade! It was a great day for walking with temps in the low 60's and the longer we walked the bluer the sky became! From there we headed past the Palace and towards the shopping district in Knightsbridge. We love to take a peek around Harrods and especially like drooling at all the goodies in the Food Hall! They've done some remodeling there (I guess since there's new owners and Dodi Fayed is gone) and it looks gorgeous! The acre of chocolate is especially "interesting"....no, I didn't buy a thing!! The meat department is always a kick and we saw pheasant, squab and rabbit.....all "dresses" and ready to go home with someone for their dinner! Not me!
We then headed to Hyde Park and saw the Queens Guard go by on horseback right in front of us as we were waiting to cross the street! Beautiful uniforms and such a grand sight! They were escorted by London police mounted on their own horses! Love the history and customs here.
We passed by the Ritz and the Park Lane Hotels because we weren't "dressed" for the visit! Compared to some of the "suits" coming out of those doors we looked homeless! Even the doormen were in top hats and tails!
Very soon we were nearing Picadilly and had to make our usual stop to have a "spot" of tea at Fortnum and Mason.....it didn't disappoint! Lovely store and it was fun to see all their Christmas candies and jams already on display! We aren't the only ones who rush the season.
After our "time-out" the Commodore was needing a real "time-out" so we headed back to our hotel in Leicester Square about 3-3:30.
Betty and Don did their own walk today by the Palace and Parliament and they spent some time in Westminster Abbey. They also had tickets for "Billy Elliott" and really enjoyed that performance as much as we did when we saw it here years ago!
We met up about 6 for wine-time and then the four of us headed back towards Covent Garden for dinner at another one of our favorites, Belgo Centraal. Again, great meal and a fun atmosphere! Since we all walked our heinie's off today we topped off the evening with a visit to the ever exotic "Ben and Jerry's" for ice cream!! Delish.
Tomorrow is pretty unplanned and a lot will depend on the weather. We're going to try for the Tower of London to see the Veterans Tribute of 1,000's of red ceramic poppies along the walls and moat. Hope we make it!
Time for some sleep!
XOXOXO
M
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