So I thought it best to update you on our recent tourist adventures right here in the UK. Since only those OS ones seem to get a mention… AND… since our days here are now numbered (what with all these public declarations of love and unifying of hearts *enter eye roll here*) we have upped the anti on playing happy tourists by creating a list of things to do before we leave London!
So far we’ve done the following:
Avenue Q:
In an effort to be more cultured, we have added to our list to attend more theatre; the first was Jarratts choice: Avenue Q. An amusing comedy played out by sesame street like puppets who sing and dance about modern day woes including smash hits like "It sucks to be me!", "Everyone's a little bit Racist" and "The Internet is for porn". We highly recommend it for a good laugh!!!
Tower of London:
I met J after work one Sunday with the view of climbing to the top of St Peters, however our hopes were quickly dashed as on Sunday climbing up the dome is forbidden but entry is free!!! So we wandered around inside and made the quick decision to stroll down the Thames and visit the Tower of London. Here we um-ed and ahh-ed as to whether we could justify the inflated prices and see it all in our now shortened window of time. In the end we decided we were there and only lived once so off we went. Inside we saw some funny dressed patrons, the bloody tower, the execution site of Anne Boleyn and the crown jewels, where Bec was caught trying to take a happy snap and quickly confronted!
Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast:
Again meeting J after work one Sunday we headed to the Tower Bridge Experience (!) to visit London’s most treasured landmark. Here we were treated to some amazing views, a remarkable interactive display and one quirky old man who took a real shine to Bec, pointing out that this would be a lovely site for a wedding. Afterwards we headed to the HMS Belfast via Tower Bridges engine room (which proved more of a treat for J’s eyes, than Bec’s). At the HMS Belfast we got an insight into how navy officers and the like lived aboard the ship – no help due to the mundane audio guide. Also despite the best efforts of modern day (and elaborate!!!!) signage, Bec still managed to hit her head on the lowered doorways!
Stonehenge and Bath:
To warmly welcome the arrival of Jess and Frawley, the roomies organised a day trip out to Stonehenge and Bath. Despite leaving early, traffic got the better of us and we ended up arriving late at Stonehenge which resulted in shortened time at Bath. However, we had a wonderful time together jumping for joy because (of) Stonehenge rocks and leisurely checking out Baths… Baths. At the end of the day we headed home via yet another cheap burger at the local watering hole, O’Neils!
Shakespeare’s Globe:
Last, but not least, we spent last Sunday attending our first performance of Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre. We aptly choose King Lear and did not in the least regret our choice, despite the 3 hours standing on concrete and slight threat of rain; the 5 pound yard tickets certainly did the treat! Afterwards we strolled along the Thames and somehow ended up at Temple Walkabout for a few cold beverages to wind up the weekend!
And that’s it… We still have a few points left on our list despite efficiently knocking a few off over the last few weeks, but like our travel planning as soon as one is ticked off and done, four more are added…. But, I’m sure there are harder problems to have.
Anyways, how are you all?
Outside the Tower of London.
Tower Bridge from the outside...
... and from the inside. You can just see St Pauls dome (by Bec's sunglasses) and the HMS Belfast (on the Thames) in the background
Inside HMS Belfast... before the head bumping incident!!
At Stonehenge...
Attempt number 3 - this didn't take much talking into either! Its surprising how convincing an early years teacher can be... even to grown men ;)
Inside the Roman baths at Bath with the Abbey in the background!
Inside Shakespeares globe... with front row (standing) um... seats?
Abu Simbel
