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We are going to see the changing of the guard today, and the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, which are only open for about a month each year.
We arrived at 10.30 thinking it was plenty of time, it starts at 11.00. I manage to squeeze to a place in the from to get pictures but Noel and the kids didn't have much view, it goes for a long time and they get bored and walk away, they can't see anything. People are squashing in everywhere, man some people have no manners.
It is a huge ceremony, and it probably pays to research, the reasons behind it, which I hadn't.
Noel lines up to get tickets for the state rooms and I take the kids to the souvenir shops. Paige is busting for the toilet of course and we end up walking all the way back to the train station we came out of (no sweat, only about a km) We meet Noel and he tells us we can't get in till 3.15. They sell tickets per 15 minute intervals, 250 for each quarter hour. So we have time to kill.
We walked back into the Victoria area, and found a cool restaurant, which I think was South African, anyway, great meal (we have one nice meal a day) and back up to Buckingham Palace.
After airport style security, and about another hours wait, we are in. It's very beautiful, just what you would imagine, and we only get to see a small part of it. There are no photos allowed, all mobiles off, and everyone is wearing headsets. It all makes for a pleasantly quiet experience, considering all the people moving through it.
We take a few pictures outside in the gardens, and go into the shop.
The kids and I pick up a few souvenirs, but Noel buys a 60th Anniversary Coronation plate. Only 1000 made, I think he got 183. It is beautiful, and he plans to sell it when he is old and grey (wouldn't that be soon ?)
I told him if he really wanted it, he should have it. (It's all part of my darstardly plan for my visit back at Harrods !!!!!
A tube ride home, and we grab quick oven pizzas, and then the boys go off to the laundromat for a couple of hours, what fun for them.
- comments
Karen Bird Sounds like you're having a great time! I look forward to hearing about you shopping at Harrods. If you go with Noel make sure you separate while in there so you don't feel his eyes burning a hole in your back while you spend!!!
Dierdre Shop until your credit card groans Lee! Bring back some Harrod's bags with you and sell them on Ebay - they cost a fortune from here. Have fun!