Day 1 We've arrived in London!

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We've arrived in London!

We had very good flights and were seated together at the back of each plane. After Dubei, there were quite a few spare seats, allowing us to spread out. This meant everyone slept well. We ended up stopping in Dubai for refuelling after all, so we had two stops on the journey, Brunei and Dubai.

Just as Harvey World Travel had promised, there was a charter bus waiting for us at Heathrow. It was very shiny and new, so it was a pleasure to be transported into central London by road, driving past many interesting sights.

We were able to check into our hotel straight away, giving everyone time for a shower and change before we set off to explore the sights. The weather has warmed up in London this week, so it was actually quite mild. We were greeted by clear, blue skies and sunshine - just glorius weather for walking.

We got straight on the underground and made our way to Picadilly Circus for some photos and lunch. Burger King outlets taste the same the world over!

Next, we hopped back on the subway and made our way to Westminster Station on the south bank for the 300 meter walk to the London Eye. Once again, our prior booking came in handy as we skipped up in the line and got straight on to this giant ferris wheel. We had an entire capsule to ourselves, except for a south african couple who looked a bit dubious about the large bubbly group sharing their capsule!

After the London Eye, we walked on foot across the Westminster Bridge to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Many of the group chose to explore Westminster Abbey with its beautiful stain glass windows and the crypts of many famous people including Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth the Second, King Henry the Fifth, and Oliver Cromwell - just to name a few.

We walked to Trafalgar Square after dark to see the famous Christmas tree. We finished the day by dining at Cafe in the Crypt at St Martins in t he Fields. The soup and Roast Turkey with all the trimmings were very yummy. At 7pm we headed back to the hotel to get an early night after a very exciting day.

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Comments

[Andrea Murray]

Wow!
Thank you for all the pics - looks cold compared to here. Just love all the lights - looks spectacular. Have fun. regards the Murray family PS Tell derric that Amber is missing him and chewing eveything in sight!!

[Bruce Murray]

Derric
Youre beaming from ear to ear you lucky duck!!!

[Ross & Nikki Naddei]

Hi Tash, great that you arrived safely, pics are great, Have fun we love you mum and dad

[Charé David]

hi everyone!! hope u guys are having an awesome time, it sure looks like it, I've looked thru all the photos. anyway a message for sam >> im seeing randomania tomorrow night!! YAY hahaha bye.. Love Charé xoxoxo

[Lorelle Curteis]

Great reading
Photos look fantastic and everyone looks like they are having so much fun. Weather is perfect.

[Tanya Campbell]

Looks Awesome!!
Hi Chris and Linda You all look like you are having so much fun! We would like to see some pictures of Chris George!! (PLEASE - Let go of the camera Chris) I so wish I was there too!! Look forward to seeing more

[Evan, Sandra, Nerissa, Laila Kurtis]

Great photos - looks fun
Hi Tegs! Looks like you are having a wonderful time. You certainly are making the most of everyday. Laila's asking "where's my tege" and looks worried when we tell her you have gone. Nerissa thanks you for your birthday greeting. The party went great. We look forward to reading your adventures each day. Praying for you all. We miss you heaps.

[Leo & Bernie Hammar]

Hi to Anna and the gang!
Thanks for all your great photos and comments. We have just returned from the Marriott at Surfers. Had a wonderful Christmas. Probably not quite as exciting as you guys. Continue to have a fabulous time. Keep safe. We love you heaps. Mum and Dad