Chapter 1 London

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Tourist 101

Today was our first full on 'be a tourist' day, also our first experience with the London Transport system. Before leaving NZ we purchased a London Pass with Travel option this gives us unlimited travel on the Tube and entry to 55 of London's main attractions (not all the best ones are covered - London Eye and Madam Tausards being the major omissions).

The Tube is great, even for us complete novices it was really easy to work out, and it makes getting around the city incredibly easy. To kick off our day we took Tube from Paddington to Charring Cross and had a walk around Trafalgar Square area. The actual Square was being set up for a concert so was a bit of a construction zone so we didn't set it in its full glory. From there we wandered down to House Of Parliament - Big Ben etc, caught City Cruises* boat (nice views from the Thames and lively commentary) back up to London Tower*/London Bridge* - both interesting, the military history and armoury on display at London Tower was spectacular. London Bridge tour gave us great views and an understanding of just what an amazing engineering achievement the Bridge was.

From there we walked along the South Bank Walkway back up to the Globe Theatre* (unfortunately there was a performance taking place so couldn't do the tour - will go back another day). Then it was over the Millennium Foot Bridge across the Thames to St Paul's Cathedral* - as it turned out the absolute highlight of our day. Our London Pass entitled us to an audio commentary which added a great deal to the experience. The architecture was spectacular and the history associated with the cathedral so inspiring. There was a boys Choir singing for a time, the singing was divine, the acoustics incredible and the overall experience genuinely spin tingling. We climbed god knows (actually he probably really does) steps to a circular walkway around the base of the Dome - it gave an amazing view looking down through the church (sadly no cameras allowed so no photos).

We'd covered a fair few miles on foot, so it was time to jump on the Tube and head for home, a bit weary but well satisfied with our days work.

Then it was a quiet pint and a pub dinner at the Vic.

Tomorrows highlight will be Billy Elliot at Victoria Theatre in London's West End - its more for Jeanette, I'm hoping to convince her we should add We Will Rock You (musical that belts out all the Queen classics) to our list of things to do.

TIP 2
London Pass is great value, we would have almost covered the cost with the things we did/saw today (* means covered by London Pass). The travel option might not be cheaper than just buying an Oyster Card when you get here but for convenience its tops. No preloading and having money deducted as you go, Just put the card in the machine and away you go. Really does make getting around even easier!

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Photos

Big Ben
Jeanette with House of Parliament - Big Ben in background

London bridge
an amazing engineering feat

St Pauls
Today's highlight

Tower of London
Brilliant historical military display