Loving London

 

The last part of our trip was a few days in London. We all really loved London. The food was good, the sites were amazing, the air was clear, history was amazing, and we enjoyed every moment of it. 

We had a chance to ride in one of the iconic black taxis that roam the city. They are actually quite roomy. I am not sure why more cities don't have them!

These two had such a fun time running around Trafalgar square. They climbed the towers as far as they could and ran around singing "tuppins a bag! tuppins a bag..." 

Everywhere we went people were gearing up for the coronation of King Charles III. Actually, as we toured the city it was clear that many of them were having limited services because of the preparations. Several roads were closed. We could not go into Westminster and several items that are usually on display were not. 

As we took the tour on the Big Bus, we passed the largest toy store in the world--Hamley's London. Our two love Hamley's here in India, but this was a whole new level. It was 7 stories of shopping. I followed one Muggle and Lady Hiva followed the other. We went on an hour exploration of all the excitement one could offer. 

Above, they had a small drone. He was mesmerized and came home with one. Below, he was so excited that they had a complete display of JUST MARBLES. 

It was kind of nice to go by Buckingham Palace. It was in roads that were blocked off so there were no cars near it. They also had bleachers set up and the road was decked out into flags all ready for the coronation. 

We went to the Royal Mews and saw the Royal stables. We have been before, but this time it was fun to see that carriages that would carry the king in the next week. 

The clotted cream and scones. This is an English treat we really love. 

Westminster was closed getting ready for the coronation. 

We had tickets to go up Tower Bridge. We learned about building the bridge and walked across it. We loved the clear floor as we walked. 

We went inside the tower of London. That has so much history. Many, many people died in those walls. So much history. We saw so much of the castle and grounds. All of us loved different aspects of it. I love that our children as old enough now that they can read and share details they have learned as we go through museums etc. The Crown Jewels were a bit interesting because several relics (the crowns included) were removed for the coronation. 

The first night we were in London we went to the West End musical Matilda. All four of us loved it. It was fun to take the two Muggles to their first Broadway theater styled musical. I found myself watching them enjoy the experience. Koala Bear would dance along to the music. I knew that she was into the show when it ended as we were clapping for the actors, she was clapping so hard.  When "Trunchbull" came out Koala Bear immediately and sat on her hands. HAHA