On Wednesday, we had to wake up pretty early in order to make it to Central London to watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Apparently, we didn’t get there early enough because there were already tons of people there. But we were able to see it and pictures were taken.

Changing of the Guards.

The marching guards.

During the rest of the day, we went to various other sites, including the memorial fountain to Princess Diana. We found Chinatown in London (which was just around the corner from the GLBT area) and ended the night with some drinks (as per usual).

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

Here I am in Chinatown, London.

On Thursday, we had plans to take the boat ride on the River Thames and then catch our coach to Bristol. But the boat ride took too long and we missed our coach by about 10 minutes so we had to re-book the trip for later in the day. We had about 4 hours in between so we went to Abbey Road. I didn’t see it mentioned in any of the guidebooks and there was a reason for it because Abbey Road is just a road. There’s the infamous crosswalk but nothing else to monument it. We caught the coach to Bristol in the evening and Nicki met us when we arrived. We had some drinks, went to a club, had some more drinks, did some dancing, and finally made it home.

I walk Abbey Road.

On Friday, we went into Bath and checked out the city and went to see the Roman Baths. It was pretty cool, to see something that existed hundreds of years ago. The audio tour left something to be desired, but I was glad I went nevertheless. It’s been a ritual so we didn’t want to break it and we ended the night with drinks again.

Bath Abbey.

In (but not in in) the Roman Baths.

Nicki and I ponder over what to drink next.

Today, I think the plan may to be check out Bristol with Nicki and watch a rugby match in the afternoon. We’ll see what happens. I gotta start looking into plans for the rest of Europe now; I’ve spent a week in England and I’m almost ready for the rest of the world now.

Mark London as another city I’ve been to! Took a 9-hour direct flight on Zoom Airlines (much better than Air Canada — they served dinner and breakfast and they didn’t lose my luggage!) and arrived in Gatwick Sunday morning and meet up with Renee, my friend from New York. Then we both took a train and met Nicki in a city outside London. It was so good to see her again! She was staying with another friend in London which I had met previously when she visited Vancouver. Nicki took us to Greenwich and we walked around a little bit and then had some drinks to end the night.

My backpack on the left. That was all I brought with me for my month-long trip.

On Monday, Nicki returned home to Bristol and our other friend in London said we’d be able to stay there while we took in the city. So we took the bus into town and did a lot of walking. We started off at Trafalgar Square and saw the Horse Guards. We walked through St. James’s Park and got to Buckingham Palace. Took a bunch of pictures. The changing of the guards had happened earlier in the day so we’ll try to catch it tomorrow. Then we got over to Victoria Street, headed over to Westminster Abbey, made our way to Piccadilly Circus (London’s version of Times Square) and then into Soho. Walk around there for a while, had some indian food and some drinks, and eventually ended our evening by taking in a free live show.

Me and the trooper.

Buckingham Palace.

Westminster Abbey.

Piccadilly Circus.

On Tuesday, we woke up early and took the bus into London and joined the Big Bus Tour, which allowed for some amazing photos. We got to the Tower of London and spent a lot of time there and took even more photos. It was tiring and now I find myself sitting in an internet café, writing down everything before I forget. We may try to get on the London Eye later tonight, which promises spectacular views of the city at night when it’s all lit up.

The Canadian Embassy in Trafalgar Square.

The London Eye.

Tower of London.

Tower Bridge (don’t go mistaking it for London Bridge).

Big Ben.

Westminster Abbey.

It’s been an exciting couple of days and I’m looking forward to more!