A VISIT TO LONDON

I know it does not look like it, but they are having fun!

Our two-day buzz over to London almost never got out of the train station in Brussels!   Well, I guess I should say WE almost didn't leave the train station in Brussels!   We left plenty of time to get to the station from our house but through the magic of technology....aka GPS....we ended up in some random street in the financial district of Brussels!  We did finally get the correct address for Midi Station entered into the GPS (which we proceeded to save in our favorites) and after several attempts to get around a Sunday morning Farmer's Market, turning down a one-way street...the wrong way....in front of two Brussels Policemen, we did find parking and, with literally one minute to spare, made it onto the train and were able to breath a sigh of relief that we would make it to London!

We had a surprisingly decent day!   Quite a bit of sunshine for London.   Our first stop was the LondonEye. It was awesome and no lines!  I can't imagine what it is going to be like this summer during the Olympics!  After the Eye we had a "not so quick" lunch at Sherlock Holmes Pub and then onto Westminster Abbey....oops!   Closed to tourists on Sunday!  Change of plans brought us over to the Churchill War Rooms.  If you ever have an opportunity to see this you really should.  Really fascinating.

Relaxed that evening at the Marriott Court Hotel, which is right near the LondonEye.  Went to dinner at Gaucho's in Picadilly Circus area.  Great Argentinian Steakhouse.  Dark decor, lots of spotted cowhides on the wall, seemed a very hip place!  And the steaks were all awesome!  And if you are not a fan of beef, there are other options.

Next....Day 2

Sunny! Sunny! Sunny!  I can't believe how much we did yesterday, considering that we also traveled!  Today was a little less hectic for sure.  First stop was Westminster Abbey.  Too bad you can't take pictures inside but we saw plenty of "cheaters"!   I just love the Abbey, it's so beautiful in it's architecture and ornate carvings.  Not to mention the unbelievable history.  Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, entombed straight across from each other.  My favorite was the intricately sculpted ceiling of Henry VII Chapel.  I got these photos from the web.  

After this we had a leisurely walk through St. Jame's Park.  Got to Buckingham Palace in time to see part of the Changing of the Guard.  As you can see there was no way to get near the gates to see the actual Change but we got to see them march up to the Palace.  Mark took these photos, he did a great job!

On to the most tourist of tourist attractions in London.....Ripley's Believe It Or Not!   Actually it was kind of fun.  Mark took these pictures.   Then a late lunch at St. Jame's Tavern just off Picadilly.  A really great place for Fish and Chips.  The fish actually had a lot of flavor!

12 Miles of Yarn

One piece of wood carved

Stamps

Camel Bone

Matchsticks

Jade

More Matchsticks!

Well, it was a packed two-days but I'm glad we went.  The remainder of the week will be relatively quiet.

Au Revoir!

Chateau de la Hulpe

Only about 10 minutes away from Lasne is this Chateau de la Hulpe.  Built by the Marquis de Bethune in 1842.  Now the property is open as a park for the public to walk, ride bikes, walk their dogs and picnic.  Unfortunately, the Chateau is not open to the public but it is available for private parties.  What a place for wedding pictures!  Enjoy the photos!.  Tomorrow we are off early in the morning to take the Eurostar for an overnight in London.  Sunny and 50 degrees! 

Day One - European Vacation

Brian, Mark and I left for Belgium on Thursday evening.  Flight to Heathrow was smooth as silk.  A few hours layover in London and then on to Brussels....our soon-to-be base!  Surprisingly, there was no lines at Customs and soon we found Randy waiting for us; ready to carry all my bags!

Relaxed at home in Lasne for the rest of the day Friday.  Cooked chicken on the grill and then a  nice walk around the neighborhood.  Randy says you don't see people just out walking around the neighborhood around here.   Well, I'll have to change THAT!  I've posted some pictures from our walk.  We live on Chemin de la Brire.  We are on a small  hill so we have a lovely view out the back of the property facing Southwest.  Many of the houses in the neighborhood are quaint brick homes.  A real French influence in their style and even in their gardens.  Someone owns the work horses pictured.  Not sure what type they are (if anyone knows what they are, please advise).  They sure add to the beautiful landscape.

More to come from Lasne area on Saturday.   We are going to drive around after everyone is up and recovered from jet lag.  Randy is going to show us the Chateau de la Hulpe which is not in Lasne but one of the bordering towns.  Expect pictures with clouds.  That's the norm around here!