The Hanus’ and Hills also take London!

Back to London, and warmth!  The first few days back in our new home were filled with my parents generously helping us to turn this flat into more of a home.  Then, it was time for me to start showing them around this great new city of ours!

We started our tour over at Westminster Abbey, then made our way over to Parliament in order to sit in on a debate within the House of Lords.  I think my Dad could have stayed there for hours!  Then we made the long haul over to Canary Wharf to meet Grant for lunch, and ended our day walking down Whitehall to find ourselves in Trafalgar Square to enjoy an afternoon brew at The Chandos Opera Bar.

The next day we started out at Buckingham Palace to catch the changing of the guard, strolled around Harrod's, and then spent hours at the Tower of London.  The Crown Jewels are absolutely beautiful!  I couldn’t get over the over 500 carat diamond that sits on top of one of the Sceptres…stunning!  After oohing and awing at the Crown Jewels, we had a picnic within the tower, and then decided to take a tour of the fortress with one of the beefeaters, who happened to be the only female beefeater, which was pretty cool!

Unfortunately no bags in hand :(

Such a Salesman!

Our big night out on the town consisted of going to see the spectacular Wicked!!!!!  We all LOVED the show, and can’t wait to go to our next one!  Afterwards, we found ourselves at Hide Bar sipping on some delicious drinks…it’s known for making whatever kind of drink you fancy (just tell the bartender what you like, and he’ll create it for you).  It was fitting that I ended up with the “American in London” drink.

We ended the weekend (and their visit…tear) by a day trip out to Greenwich on Saturday, and a proper Sunday Roast at The Engineer on Sunday in Camden Town, and a visit to Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park.  Camden Town is a fantastic area known for its alternative culture.  As you exit the tube station, you find yourself on the high street which is filled with alternative shops (Austin on steroids)…then you make your way down to the canal, where a lock system is in place (we had a great time watching a house boat make its way down the canal…slowly), and then the bustling market, that you literally have to fight your way through!  It’s such a cute town, and we recently discovered Primrose Hill (yes, another park!), with another fabulous view of London! 

All in all, it was a wonderful visit!  I can’t wait for their next visit!!