Missed the Queen but are having a WICKED Time

Cheerio everyone,
We have just arrived in Oxford after a whirlwind of activity in London. We arrived on Thursday after a bit of a delayed takeover for a mechanical issue that soon got itself worked out. While in flight Jenn celebrated her 29th birthday. I sang to her as we flew over Cornerbrook Newfoundland. This was Jenn's first trip across the pond. When we arrived in Gatwick after only a bit of shut-eye, we had to stand in a customs line for 2 hours... I have never seen one so long. We were fortunate not to have a connection like some of the other passengers who were sure to miss their flights. We then took the Gatwick Express (again Jenn's first train ride) into London and headed to where we were staying in Covent Garden. Not wanting to miss a beat and to try and stay awake we went on a Big Bus Tour that took us all over London from Grovesnor, Belgravia, by Big Ben (I love that clock), past the London Eye, Westminister Abbey, over Tower Bridge (the road even lifted up to let the boats pass)--it was an excellent overview to the city. The tourguide Adam, was one of the kids who was on the Experience England program who I met in 2002. We arranged to go on his tour ahead of time! He was witty and knew his stuff. After all that we headed back to go to bed.

Yesterday morning we went to Covent Garden, home of the setting for My Fair Lady and a great marketplace. We walked around a little bit and then headed to Leceister Sq. Then we headed to the British Museum and saw exhibits from Asia, Europe, Africa, all over. The best part-many museums in London are FREE! We met up with my cousin Owen who is studying in London and he joined us for the walk about the museum. Of course, it being Friday, we had fish n' chips! In the afternoon we went to the Tower of London and had a great tour with an expert Yeoman Warder. We got to see the Crown Jewels, Chapel, Armoury museum and of course the execution spot of many of England's former monarchs. In the evening we had some great Indian food and then headed to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to see WICKED, the Musical-it was excellent from the costumes to the sets to the outstanding voices of the leads. Indeed a WICKED performance, in the positive sense of course.

So now we find ourselves in the town of spires and gargoyles. We are just here overnight but will go off wandering and to a few museums too.

Hope you are all well.

love you lots.
Katy

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