London Trip - Days One and Two

Background info: I have wanted to take a trip to London for as long as I can remember.  My mom went when I was little and has always talked about what a wonderful time she had.  Hearing her stories is the main reason I have wanted to go. Not to mention, they speak English, have wonderful accents, and have a Royal family.  Matt knew that London was my dream vacation spot and for several months he worked with our parents to plan a surprise trip for my 35th birthday.  On Easter, he surprised me by handing me a card he created with all the details. I just sat there staring at this card.  I couldn't put two and two together and then my brain finally sent a signal saying "LONDON!!!"  I started screaming and was so excited.  He told me early for several reasons: so I could help plan the trip and so I wouldn't bug him about where we were going. I knew he was taking me somewhere and I was convinced it was the beach. I was so happy it wasn't a tropical vacation. Just not a fan of them.

On Wednesday (June 19th) we took the red eye from DFW to London Heathrow and arrived around 10am the next morning.  Of course we didn't sleep well on the plane, but who cared we were in LONDON!  We finally made it to our hotel and couldn't check in so we set off to start seeing the sites.

Our first stop was touring the Banqueting House.  This building is the only surviving part of the great palace of Whitehall.  Whitehall was largely the creation of Henry VIII, but the Banqueting House was commissioned by Charles I in 1622.  The house was intended to hold fantastic theatrical performances, but it is now most famously remembered as the location site of Charles I execution in 1649.

The ceiling of the Banqueting House was painted by the famous Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.  The paintings were breathtaking and it was amazing to see them just as Royals and courtiers have done for over 400 years.

Across the street from the Banqueting House was the Royal Horseguards.  This was the entrance to the original palace of Whitehall and two royal guards sit there every day, all day, protecting it.  It was really neat to see, but that job would be the pits.

Our next thing to do was walk down the Mall.  The picture below is one of my favorite pictures that Matt took.  I love all the Union Jack flags and then at the back of the picture you can see the Queen Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace.  I bet it would be really awesome to see this from the opposite direction while looking out a window of the palace.  Prince Charles lives about a football field away from the palace, but his residence is hidden behind a gate so no pictures of it.

Queen Victoria Memorial in front of the palace.

When I finally saw Buckingham Palace it really sunk in that I was in London.  I knew it would never happen, but I was so hoping we would spot the Queen or any of the Royals for that matter.  Of course, that was the hope of every other tourist there too.

Finally our room was ready and we went and took a much needed nap. We had dinner at our hotel and then were asleep again by 9 pm local time.  The six hour time change and the inability to sleep on the plane made us both extremely tired.

We woke up bright and early (Friday, June 21st) and took the tube to the Waterloo station to catch a train to towns of Windsor and Eton.  Our first stop was to get lunch and then we headed up the hill to Windsor Castle.  The original castle was building during the 11th century by William the Conqueror and has been used by the monarchy since King Henry I.  It is the oldest and longest-occupied palace castle in Europe.

The walk up to the castle was so beautiful.  One of the most interesting things was seeing the openings in the walls that were made specifically for the guards to shoot their bow and arrows from when enemies were approaching.  Out of all the castles and palaces we visited this one was my favorite.  I'm not exactly sure why because they don't allow you to see much of the inside.  I think my main reason for liking it so much is the fact it is a REAL castle and is so rich in history.

In the middle of this photo (that far back corner) is where Queen Elizabeth lives when she stays here.  The castle is her preferred weekend home.  This is also the area where her visitors stay as well. The grounds surrounding it play host to many events that take place here. 

I think the most interesting event that takes place here is the Order of the Garter. It was founded in 1348 and is the highest order of chivalry exiting in England. Only 24 people may be part of this membership at anytime.  For another person to be chosen another member must pass away.  The ceremony takes place here at St. George's Chapel.

Many people have been buried here including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymore.

After touring the castle, we walked down the road to Eton College and took a guided tour there.

Then we walked back and took the train back into London. For dinner we went to this great place called Masters Super Fish.  I read about it in my London City Guide and it did not disappoint.  They served steamed shrimp with the heads still on them with the food - so weird. I ate them, but Matt refused.