London 2.0



Crossing the road is a bit daunting, but the city planners
have you covered!


We went to bed at a very reasonable hour last night and Jackson challenged me to sleep for 9 hours straight.No problem. I was very successful. We were up early and at the American Embassy for our 7:45 appointment only to find that we were not on the "cleared list" and had to wait until they could find us. Awesome. We waited until about 8:30, were found and then headed through security. It was a process remarkably similar to that of the BMV only more secure, the workers had British accents and the process took a bit longer. By 10:30 a.m. local time Jackson was again cleared for takeoff to Switzerland! The whole thing cost us an extra $50 on top of a normal passport renewal which we thought was fair. The process was a bit stressful and we were pretty glad to be out of there!

 

We went for a quick celebration breakfast at a place called "Gail's Artisan Bakery" which was a short stroll from the Embassy. It was a great choice. The scones were amazing. The hot chocolate? Not so much. But those scones!!

Jackson enjoying a maple-glazed walnut scone

A dark chocolate sour cherry scone that
 is worth the flight over here!

We decided that today was so beautiful that riding on top of a bus would be ideal. Seriously, the sun was out in London. I'm pretty sure that just does not happen!

Tourists

We'd seen much of the city before, but it was cool to hear the background on some areas and to let someone else do all the work and just listen!

Parliament

We loved the architectural details

Westminster Abbey

The Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben
(actually just the bell's name) inside

The London Eye

Worth noting: Las Vegas' observation wheel is taller and we've been on it.

River Thames

It was seriously just a gorgeous day!!

Royal Courts

Walkie-Talkie building

You can read more about this building that Londoners hate at this link.

 

The glass building is called
"The Shard"

Tower of London

Jackson.

A guard on a real horse!

We finished our tour and went to Piccadilly Circus to get dinner. We ended up getting pizza because we just wanted something we knew would be good. It was entirely decent.

When in London...eat pizza?!

I spent all day looking for ridculous shirts to get for the Mauck boys and had no luck. Then I saw this book and just had to have it! They still have actual bookstores here in London. I was impressed.

A fun book for the Mauck boys!

After a full day of exploring and going through the passport madness we are exhausted. We head to Zurich tomorrow mid-morning to restart our actual trip...if all goes according to plan!