Well, this is it.
The 20th and final day of our whirl wind tour around the main British isle. We’ve seen so much and traveled so many miles. Our feet hurt but our minds have been massaged with beautiful country side, history and culture.
Today we set out to see the last of the major London attractions. We started with a stroll to Trafalgar Square for a little photography and people watching.
We then walked through Admiralty Arch and marched down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. The thing that stuck out to me was how the gates are the most luxurious thing surrounding an otherwise vanilla building.
It’s the history that matters, though. We got in position for the changing of the guard. There were so many people nudging and pushing and positioning themselves to squeeze into any opening to the front.
The ceremony itself was quite long and drawn out. As the incoming guards passed by, I got some nice unobstructed video. Once inside the gates, though, the sea of people and the gates themselves blocked the view mostly.
It was still neat to watch. Those black furry hats have got to be heavy and hot!
After the guard change, we strolled through Hyde Park. Included was a stop at the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial fountain.
A tube ride later and we had lunch in the Notting Hill area. It’s a cute little part of town. A little quieter with more shops and restaurants than historic sights.
Our final stop was St. Paul’s Cathedral. The outside of this place looks really plain. Actually, it looks more like a government building than a cathedral.
Inside, though? Magnificent.
Pictures aren’t allowed so that’s all I’ve got. The rest was magnificent, though. It rivals the inside of many others I’ve been into, and I thought it was nicer (inside only) that Westminster.
We’re ready to come home I think. Three weeks of walking takes a toll. Three weeks of washing clothes in sinks gets tired. Three weeks of sleeping in a foreign bed gets uncomfortable.
But this is what I label as a first world problem. I expect no pity and feel blessed to have been able to experience this.
We’re on our way back, America.
TOTAL STEPS WALKED 26,714
TOTAL MILES 10.54