London

Well, the first couple of days have just flown by. We got into the hotel around 1pm Monday afternoon, got quickly settled and then went for a wander (hike) in Hyde Park. Saw a whole lot of well-fed (ie, fat) squirrels and pigeons. Then had another wander at Harrods, saw a whole lot of food to die for and a whole lot of people acting rich. Then on our way home through Hyde park we stumbled across the christmas fair, with lights and rides and a skating rink, so we took a stroll through that and bought some steak sandwiches and lollies. Weather was cold but clear, but when it started getting dark at about 3.30 in the afternoon we really knew that we werent in NZ anymore!! We had an early night that night because we were pretty exhausted from the plane ride and everything.

Then on Tuesday we got up and caught a big red double decker bus for our day of sightseeing. We started with St Paul's Cathedral, which was breathtaking. We werent quite motivated enough to try all the stairs though to climb up to the top. Then on to Tower of London, which was gruesome and educational and very well presented. But we were glad we didnt climb the stairs at St Pauls cos there were so many you had to climb at the Tower. We then had a spot of lunch, and mum was nearly attacked by some over-enthusiastic birds trying to get at her lunch!
Then on to the Globe for a tour, which was very interesting as well. They are rethatching the roof for the first time, so there was scaffolding everywhere, but still very impressive. Then we set out to find the Zoo, with some bad directions from the bus driver, and then decided it was too far away, and was probably crap anyway. We then navigated the subway (very proud of ourselves) to go to the Apollo Theatre in Victoria to see Wicked, which was breathtaking!! So glad we went, was sensational. Planning on seeing Billy Elliot when we get back, but we will see.

Then today we are off to pick up the car at Guildford and take a little tiki tour down to Hindhead (where Mum lived in the 70's) and on to Bath and the Cotwolds. So we'll hope to check back in sometime over the next few days. Hope everything is great in NZ and the weather is warmer than here. :)

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Part of trip: Big European Adventure

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