Welsand's in London

Patty's Days in London

After Paris, Jeremy's mom Patty had six more days to enjoy in London. Patty's sister Karen traveled over the course of three days back to Italy with her son Joel where she spent the remainder of her holiday.

On Friday, April 6, Jeremy and Patty visited the Tower of London. Sophie and mommy had a low-key day at the flat, catching up. Patty loved the Tower! This was the highlight of the trip for her. And, while this was Jeremy's second visit to the Tower, he was without child and able to take in more of it than during our first visit. The weather was great, they experienced an excellent tour from a Yeoman Warder and both thoroughly enjoyed the visit! That evening we went out for a nice birthday dinner at the Gaucho Grill up the high street. We all had excellent meals!

We had planned to go to a family show at a theatre on Saturday. The tickets turned out to be too pricey, so we went to a local cinema to watch Happy Feet which Sophie adored! She is very good at mimicking the Happy Feet dance which is hilarious! A nice relaxing day with dinner at the flat.

On Easter Sunday, after the joys of the Easter Bunny, we made our way to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guards. There were more people at the Palace than we had ever seen DOUBLED! More then in high tourist season in June even! Unbelievable what a holiday will do! There was no way we were getting close to the gates of the Palace even an hour before that we were there. So we found a front row spot along a railing on one of the streets that we knew the guards would walk by. Patty got a good view of them from there and was content. We then made our way through the park, enjoying the flowers and birds. We walked through the Horse Guards Parade area where we all got photos with the Horse Guards and Sophie enjoyed a licking by one of the horses. Then onto to Trafalgar Square and lunch at Wagamama, our favourite noodle bar. After a walk to Piccadily Circus and then a tube ride to find Harrod's closed, but we window shopped anyway. That evening we ate out at Toast up the high street. Patty wanted to try a traditional fish and chips, as her first experience with the fish and chips was not traditional. She didn't quite get traditional chips, but enjoyed it anyway.

Monday was spent at Windsor Castle. We had a good visit, enjoyed the doll house room, the state rooms, and St. George's Church. We got there early enough to avoid long queues and even got to enjoy a close up view of the Changing of the Guards. Sophie is in love with guards. They have had a big impact on her. The Guard at Windsor will be a story she treasures her entire life! We were all taking our turns getting photos taken with the guard standing post near the exit of the Castle. I asked Sophie if she could be brave and stand by the guard all by herself. In the past when we have asked this question, the answer has been no. But obviously she was feeling brave and agreed. I also asked her to show the guard how she can march, which she did proudly in front of him after daddy took her photo. She stamped her foot so proudly. This young chap obviously was very kind as he then gave Sophie a special move, clicking his feet together, stamping them and nodding to her getting back into his position! She loved it! I am not sure how often if ever this happens, but it sure made her day! Special attention from a guard! What a great experience!

After the Castle, we enjoyed lunch at a local Italian restaurant. Next we enjoyed some shopping in Windsor. The town is very quaint with lots of standard shops, and some very unique. Patty bought a scarf and I bought a proper English hat. It is gorgeous and I can't wait for an occasion to wear it. Then I will just have to buy a new outfit to match!

posted by Chris @ 5:07 PM