We had visitors!! (London)

Just about the time I was starting to feel homesick -- We had visitors!! My Mom and Curt arrived for a two week visit! Such perfect timing! Two weeks to share a small flat, go for daily walks, drink coffee, and of course, explore London! I was thrilled! Here they are -- fresh off the plane and ready to go!

Wanna go for a ride?? (London)

On the "wrong" side of the road? In a famous black cab? Well, then...click on the video!!

A Big Walk!! (London)

So we were feeling ambitious...thus, we decided to head out for walk down by the river -- 5.22 miles later and we were exhausted! It is a beautiful walk! Definitely recommended --although perhaps a break for coffee or a snack would make this walk perfect!!

Lunch Time Drinks (London)

What to do when you are feeling a bit peckish and in need of drink? Head to a pub, of course! English pubs are the most delightful place to rest your feet, fuel up and prepare for the rest of your day!!

A "House" Fit for a King!! (London)

Behold, a day trip to Hampton Court Palace! We boarded a train and set out for the Palace. Gayle was intrigued given her new love of the television show "The Tudors" and the rest of us? Well, it was a gorgeous day to spend outside!



Here we are boarding the train! (By the way, apparently a number of people inside the train thought I was filming them or celebrity...needless to say, what I thought was discreet train filming wasn't!!)

Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor palace, magnificently developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later King Henry VIII, alongside a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II.

A "side garden"! Really, the Palace is beautiful -- but the gardens are where its really at! There are loads of secret and not so secret side gardens, main gardens, and of course, a maze at the Palace. Just being on the property instantly makes you think you are royalty! (Until some other tourist and their child go streaming by and you realise, alas, you are a mere mortal!)

Another "side" maze!!

A view inside the Palace...(London)

Grand staircases, gorgeous art...what more could you expect from a Palace!! See for yourself!

A view from both sides of the train! (London)

Heading home from Hampton Court Palace required a ride on the Tube (otherwise known as the London Underground)! We were all smiles to be heading home after a long day in the gardens...oh and for the evening ahead? We are off to see the musical Avenue Q!

Look one way!

Look the other!

Avenue Q (London)

Well, no trip to London would be complete without a show or two! My selection...Avenue Q! Here's the review: "AVENUE Q is Broadway's smash-hit 2004 Tony Award winner for BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE and BEST BOOK. A hilarious show full of heart and hummable tunes, AVENUE Q is about trying to make it in NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Called "one of the funniest shows you're ever likely to see" by Entertainment Weekly, AVENUE Q features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risque and downright entertaining way."

Avenue Q: It sucks to be me!! (London)

What about on the inside? How about a taste of the music??

(Okay, so this is the original New York cast (I think) and not my video! But hey, isn't it just hilarious!?)

And just like that...(London)

Alone again... (sigh)