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This morning we had the biggest sleep in we've had so far! And that was still only until 8am. We got up and ready and headed downstairs for the continental hotel breakfast, and then we were off on our way. We were actually half an hour ahead of schedule, so we came to use the internet because Stacey needed to find an 02 phone store and I needed to find a Barclays bank.
Next thing it was time to go, but by the time we found the bank (which wasn't where it said it was on the map), we were running late! We caught the tube to the London Eye (Stacey's becoming a pro at navigating the tube now too! And luckily it's all come back to me very easily too) and got our fast track tickets. Luckily it didn't matter that we were a little bit late. Before jumping on the Eye we did the 4D experience that goes along with it, and then we went and lined up for the Eye and got straight on with our fast track ticket. No queuing at all. Luckily it was a lovely day today in London, so the view was really good. The weather has been fantastic for our one and a half days here. Slightly cool at times today, but only cardy weather, and half the time we have been quite hot. It looks as though it's starting to pack in tonight though.
We took a few photos on the Eye which took about half an hour to go around and land back on the ground. From here we had to meet up with a lady from the nanny agency (for Stacey) and we just went for a drink along the Thames. After this, we headed to the Tower of London on the tube again, via Big Ben. Sue (the nanny lady) told us not to catch the Jubilee line because someone had thrown themselves in front of the train earlier! We didn't need to catch that one though anyway luckily.
We got to Tower of London and had some lunch before heading in. At the cafe we were at, the Asian lady behind the counter thought I was Stacey's mum! How old do I look?! We were in the Tower of London for a couple of hours, had a good look around and learnt a few new facts that we didn't know before - like that the guards around the Tower and the Palace are actually English soldiers, and the Beefeaters are retired soldiers who actually live on the Tower premises. We hired some audio guides but we couldn't figure out where we were most of the time, so we didn't really use them. They were just a waste of money really.
After the Tower, we headed back to the hotel while trying to find the phone shop for Stacey. We still couldn't find the right one, so she just ended up going with another phone company that we found at the mall. We ended up having some tea while we were there too - the healthiest thing we we've eaten so far! I bought some fresh cherries today too from a street cart - again the most nutritious thing we've eaten. Hopefully the food from here on will be much better!
After we got back from the mall, it was time for our Contiki meet up which was held in a room in the hotel. They just told us what we need to organise tonight and then do in the morning. We're meeting up at 6am, so will be another early morning, which means hopefully early to bed tonight. It's 9:30pm now, so I'm heading back to the room to pack my bag and then will shortly be heading off to sleep. It will probably be the longest sleep for the rest of the tour!
Our first stop is Dover, where we get on the ferry and head to France. Our tour manager is from French Canada and our driver is from NZ. So far from our trip we know there's at least one other Kiwi, a South African and a million Aussies. One couple also just got engaged in London.
Just on a side note, I'm sitting in the lobby right now and a whole heap of school kids have just walked in. There're school groups everywhere! Imagine being able to go to London for your school camp! Pretty lucky kids.
I'm off to bed now and tomorrow Paris it will be (will be thinking of you Rosemary :)
- comments
Cindy I am so jealous!! Sounds like you are having an amazing time. Have fun in Paris!!!! :)