Day 4 - Tower of London, Afternoon Tea and Hyde Park

Woke up at 9am - oops! We miscommunicated on the alarm time - were hoping to get up earlier to get a head start on the day. Lots to do!! In the UK all the big stores are closed on Easter Sunday so we set aside today for the Tower of London, Hyde Park and Afternoon Tea.

Because of engineering works going on, our Nothern Line trains don't stop at Kings Cross, so we are having to transfer a often and plan our trip in advance. Figured out how to get to the Tower of London but it involved a bit of walking - no problem! We didn't have to use the umbrella today, but my feet are still getting used to the hours of walking.

Manaen had wanted to see the building shaped like a Ukrainian egg (don't know what it's called) but we didn't think we had time to see it, and weren't sure exactly where the building was. SURPRISE! We got out of the Aldergate underground station and there it stood. Got a few photos and Manaen was a happy camper. Walked down to Towerhill with a huge mass of people and got in line for tickets. The Castle is amazing, hard to believe it is still standing after all these years. Lines galore though - had to deal with it on a long weekend... Hundreds of people filing through skinny medevial halls and staircases. Some really interesting pieces of information and beautiful grounds in the massive inner courtyard.

There was a exhibition of King Henry the 8th's armor called "Dressed to Kill". The que moved pretty quickly and we were happy to have waited.

Manaen really wanted to see the crown jewels but I wasn't into waiting in the line, which wrapped around the courtyard and back again. He got in line and I went off exploring and to grab a sandwich. after about 45 minutes, we were in! The jewels, crowns and sabers were beautiful but some of the gems were so big and ill cut compared to today's standards that they almost looked fake.

After the sightseeing, we hopped on the tube again for Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, where I had booked afternoon tea. We got lost on the way but had left enough time and enjoyed being lost in such an upscale neighbourhood! See Manaen's comments on cars below =)

Afternoon tea was lovely (expensive!!) but we figured you sort of HAVE to do a proper tea while in England. Enjoyed the quiet and the break from high traffic areas.

Had a peaceful walk around Hyde park. It was a cold day with almost a mist hanging in the air that sort of soften sounds in the air around us. Sat on a bench by the boathouse and people watched for quite a while. Strolled over the bridge and to the Memorial Fountain for Diana, which was modern and beautiful. Walked along the other side of the lake and up to the statue of Peter Pan.

We had about enough of walking for the day so we set off to the nearest underground station, Lancaster Gate. Decided to grab dinner because it was only 6:30 and we weren't ready to call it a night yet. Popped in to this really neat looking pub called "The Swan" with a real British feel with large picnic tables outside. Manaen had a pint of beer and fish & chips, and I wanted something realy british so I ordered a "Lamb pudding" with mashed potatoes and gravy with a glass of wine. Spoke to some nice locals who helped me get the heater lit, and a young lady from Holland who, with her mother, was visiting for the weekend. We sounded like Vancouver tour agents and were upselling our city like crazy.

Content and giggling, we stopped at Oxford Circus to pick up a tacky souvenier Manaen had been eyeing, and back to Old Street for the Hoxton Hotel.

Now we're preparing to depart in the morning for Paris!

Overall, we have really enjoyed our time here. Made some wonderful memories and are ready to move on to the highlight of our trip - the City of Lights!

Manaen's update:

car count:

Aston Martins: lots!!! (some notables are DBZ 60 (interesting body shape),
DBS (1970ish), DB5(1965)
Lambo: 1 Gallardo
Maserati: lots of GTs (looks way better than the 4 doors!)
Bentleys: almost every street corner
Ferraris: ENZO!!!!($650,000 approx.), couple 599GTB(front engine), lots of 430s

Henri VIII armour was amazing we managed to sneek a couple photos, and the crown jewels we worth the long wait. And I even enjoyed the afternoon tea. The cars, buildings, iron gates and railing as well as all the stainless that is used everywhere now is incredible. Thats all from me right now. Off to Paris !!! :)