We decided to all meet in London instead of them coming to Germany first, so we planned to meet at the airport since all of our flights arrived within an hour or two of each other. Sam and I arrived first. We had a restaurant selected as our meeting point, but little did we know that particular restaurant was only accessible once you passed through security. So...none of us could actually get to it. We went to a little Italian restaurant to get something to eat and wait to see if we could meet up with everyone. I started calling Aunt Kim's cell in case she would answer it. We left messages and finally were able to speak and tell them where we were. We still weren't able to reach Sam's Mom. We called and left messages and finally after some time decided we would just have to go and meet up with her at our condo. Everyone had the address in case we didn't meet at the airport. So, we were waiting at the elevator to get on and go down to the train when Sam's Mom showed up out of no where. It was really neat how it worked out and we felt like God was really watching over the situation and brought us all together. It was a nice feeling having all of us together.
We made our way to Woolrich Arsenal where we were renting a condo. It was a very nice place. We all got settled. At least as much as you can get settled with no luggage. My suitcase, with my and Elly's clothes, got lost on the short hop from Stuttgart to London. Not sure how that happens, but Elly and I had nothing. We kept calling the airport to see if it showed up. Eventually someone said it would be there that night, but it never did show up.
The next morning we were getting ready to head out. I wasn't feeling the most put together since I was still missing my luggage and really wanted to be able to put something clean on. Sam finally went to the concierge to see if they had received anything from the airlines and wouldn't you know...it was there. I have no idea why they didn't just bring it to our condo, but I was happy to have it regardless.
From where we were staying we could either get on the train or a boat to take us downtown. To get to the train we had to walk through an area that was a little questionable. It was fine during the day, but we didn't feel real comfortable about coming home late at night and having to pass through that area. So, we decided for the most part to take the boat. It was nice and we were able to enjoy the view along the way. It made several stops so we just chose one to get off at and see where we went from there.
Tower Bridge behind us. It was really a beautiful structure.
Looking across the River Thames to the Tower of London. We would visit this later.
Walking across the Tower bridge.
Once we crossed to the other side of the river we made our way to the Tower of London. We knew we could spend several hours in there. Even so, we certainly didn't see everything.
Elly was intrigued by this old potty.
The guard standing outside of the The Crown Jewels building.
There was an ongoing drama being acted out throughout the day. Actors would just appear out of no where and act out a scene. Then later you would see another scene. It was really fun to watch and Elly so enjoyed it. She especially liked the ladies in their beautiful gowns ☺
The next day we headed out again. We were heading first to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. We weren't exactly sure where it was, so we got off at what we thought was the closest stop and started walking. Along the way we saw some sights of London.
Us with the London Eye behind us (across the river)
Big Ben behind us.
Buckingham Palace.
Having 20/20 hindsight we now know that we should have been all the way up by the palace just in front of the gates because that is where the changing of the guards takes place. This is pretty much all we saw. We saw a group of guards walk in and then later walk out, but that was it. I was pretty disappointed in that and would definitely tell anyone going to make sure they are right up by the gate or don't bother going for the ceremony.
That evening was the Steeler's game. We bought a ticket for Elly, but the game didn't start until 6:00 so she ended up staying home with Oma. It worked out much better that way. She would have been pretty miserable I think. It was a fun evening even if the Steelers didn't win.
The next morning we headed out to Westminster Abbey. This is where Princess Diana and Prince Charles (and more recently Prince William and Katherine) got married. It was rather expensive to go inside so the guys didn't go in, just Oma, Elly and I did. Of course, no pictures were allowed though.
I love this picture. We were walking back toward the river from Westminster and here you can see Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance.
We wanted to go up in the London Eye. Before we did that though we had to watch a 4D movie about it. Here we are in our awesome glasses. ☺
The view from the London Eye.
Looking down on one of the other pods on the London Eye.
Big Ben and Parliament from the London Eye.
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