Tim visiting The Barnes in London

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I arrived in London after a nine (9) hour plane ride in the back of the bus. For a guy my size, riding coach for that distance is not a pleasant experience. I did not get much sleep. I was able to watch the first two (2) episodes of The Sopranos. I am one of the few Americans that hasn’t seen the series.

Scott’s driver met me at the airport (David). He provided me with a lot of history of London as we drove from Heathrow to Scott’s hotel. The drive is an experience as lanes are merely guidelines. I sat up front in the car so I could take in all the sights. I was of course, on the left hand side of the front seat. I kept wanting to grab the steering wheel (it’s on the right hand side)!
The architecture is amazing. The stone and wrought iron are beautiful.

Immediately upon arrival, Scott and I took to the ‘Tube” (Subway) to head into London. We made our way through the theater district.

We dined for lunch on a classic American favorite; one that Joan refuses to partake while in London: McDonalds! Since Joan and Hunter are in Scotland for the day, we found way to hoover down a Big Mac.

We took a cab to Buckingham Palace. We caught the time just right and saw the changing of the guard as well as a marching band playing and marching down the main ‘mall’ street that leads to the Palace.

We did get caught in an afternoon shower with large rain drops for about 15 minutes. It was very nice to see rain after the dry spell we have experience in Dallas for the past 8 weeks.

Big Ben and Westminster Abby are within view of Scott’s hotel room windows. The Thames (pron. Tims) river is also just outside the window.

I was probably most intrigued and fascinated by the architecture. I saw several areas that looked like they came right out of the movie “Oliver”. Especially the scene where they are selling fresh strawberries which evolves into the large singing dancing fest in the streets. I will load photos later of one of many curved townhome style beautiful neighborhoods that mimic that setting. They are absolutely beautiful.

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Photos

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Superman heading into a phone booth to go fight crime! LOL

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Buckingham Palace Guard. He would not smile....but I did get his attention ever so slightly.

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Buckingham Palace.

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Tim in front of the London Eye.

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Tim in front of Big Ben and the Parliament Building to the left of Big Ben.

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Scott with Big Ben in the background.

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Millions of buildings have cool architecture here.

Comments

[Tammy]

how wonderful
I hope you are having a wonderful time. We miss you and can't wait to hear all about it when you return. We love you, tammy and the guys

[BarnesInLondon]

I'm glad Tim is here
Because he makes me look like a well-cultured sophisticate!

[BarnesInLondon]

I'm glad Tim is here
Because he makes me look like a well-cultured sophisticate!

[BarnesInLondon]

I'm glad Tim is here
Because he makes me look like a well-cultured sophisticate!

[Jason]

Rednecks in London
So what do the London folk think about a couple of rednecks from Texas stopping in for a visit? Hope all is going well... looks fun. See you soon.

[MorrisTJ]

Rednecks Rule here!
It is quite funny to be considered a "Yank" by these chaps. It is fun. The cab drivers are a highlight. Most all are 60-80 years of age. All are very nice and well mannered. Cabs are very clean. And they know the city, history and are not afraid to share their opinion on most any matter. See you soon. Tim

[chad]

redneck in london
How about the fishing inthe thames i hear its great this time of year.Enjoy yourself and bring back some filets.