we’re back, safe and sound. Because I didn’t have a computer with me, I couldn’t write this up as we went along. I tried doing some drafts, but now I have hundreds of pics and disjointed thoughts to sort through. It’s a bit daunting. Nevertheless, here’s our first day in the UK.

Sunday, June 8:

Big Ben

We had a smooth flight and arrived in London on time. Since we were disoriented and a little tired, we decided to take a rather expensive cab to the hotel. Did we waste our money? One can take public transportation from the airport to our hotel. However, we met another family from the US who was in London for their third time. They got totally lost and spent most of the day trying to find their hotel, taking various public transports and dragging their suitcases behind them. We spent most of the day having a good time (as you will soon see) and decided our money was well spent.

Having Fun at Trafalgar Square

We got to the hotel well before check-in time, but the room was available and they let us check in early. We found ourselves in the middle of a perfect day — sunny, with highs in the low 70s. Besides that, it was Sunday and the last day of mid-break (when schools are off for a week). Plus, the World Cup was starting soon (that’s a big deal in Europe). As a result, we saw tons of people everywhere we went, all having a good time. This was especially true in the parks. Everywhere there was grass, there were people enjoying themselves. There were street performers and outdoor concerts. The streets were filled.

Thames from the London Eye

We spent the day walking around central London. We saw all the normal landmarks in this part of town — the Thames, Trafagal Square, Big Ben and Parliament Building, etc. In our travels, we rode the London Eye (like a giant Ferris wheel.) They run it like a cheesy attraction. But the view is dramatic, and it’s a lot of fun.

Gold Coach

The other attraction we visited was the Royal Mews (a more conventional name would be the Royal Stables.) They only had two of the horses there, and the official limousine was being used in the D-Day celebration. But we saw many royal carriages. The one here was built by George III, to celebrate his victory over the French in the 7-years war and the mighty power of England. It’s so huge and heavy it requires a team of 8 horses to pull. It’s very uncomfortable to ride in. And 15 years later he got spanked by some upstart Yanks.

Nelson

It was a very tough day and a lot of walking, but we met our primary goal of staying awake until 9. We also met our secondary goals. I got a UK SIM card for my phone that includes a data plan, and we purchased Oyster cards. These are the best way to use The Tube (the London subway).

Our biggest surprise for the day (besides the amazingly good weather) was Trafalgar Square. It has a tall column topped by a statue of Lord Nelson. The best way to get a picture of this famous column is from the steps of the National Gallery (art museum) — which has a fine view of his butt. The square is filled with the expected array of rather serious statues, complete with large lions and lots of famous dead white men. But it has one very strange, very blue statue of a chicken. We have no idea at all of what that’s about.

Blue Rooster

First day surprises:

“Look Left / Look Right” is painted on the street next to every curb. Extremely useful for the disoriented visitor.

It can be hard to understand wait staff, if English is not their first language