London

02September 2013

We flew from Dublin to London today. Because we used frequent flyer miles, we were sent on the long route with a layover in Oslo, Norway.  It made for a somewhat long day of travel for such a short distance.  

Once we arrived at Heathrow, we took a train that connected to a Tube (Subway) that then brought us to Victoria Station.  

Victoria Station - Just a 5 block walk to our apartment.

The entrance to our London apartment. 

We had a great little apartment -feeling quite at home with the IKEA furnishings!

Our host, Alessandro, had the place perfectly set up with some needed items in the refrigerator and a wonderful bottle of wine. 

Victoria Station

The London architecture has beautiful dimension, giving the structures quite the illusionary effect. 

Classic!  And take a look at the lady and man on the upper deck.  They're now celebrities.  Their picture is all over the world.

A visit to the Hardrock was mandatory!

The exquisite structures are definitely more than architectural design - they become "art" in all respects. 

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey still continue to be quite the attraction --and understandably so. 

One of the many modern designed buildings. 

The Tower Bridge - a notable landmark of London.  It is close to the Tower of London which is where it takes its name. Built 1886-1894

Big Ben...  We thought.   As it turns out, Big Ben is the bell that is housed within the clock tower in this photo.  The tower is officially named Elizabeth Tower.  Big Ben, the bell, is 16 tons and was cast in 1856.

A glass of wine before the theatre. 

Sartori became our favorite place to have pre theatre dinner.  The service was excellent, as was the food. 

Some guy standing on the corner leaning on a lamp post! (We think he's looking at a map on the iPhone)

No, we're not drinking our way through London.

Cheers!

The Hard Rock Cafe in London is the original. It is said that a couple of Americans were looking and could not find a descent burger in London--thus the birth of Hard Rock. 

Had to take this artsy photo - the underside of the awning. 

Just one of many gates to Buckingham Palace Garden

Buckingham Palace Garden

Riding up an escalator from a Tube (Subway) to ground level. 

The Eurostar high speed rail that we will be taking to Paris later this week.  

These trains connect London with the rest of Europe by traveling under the English Channel. While in Great Britain, the train travels at about 150 mph. Once it gets through the channel, the French rails allow it to go 186 mph. When you're near ground level, that is seriously fast!

The international Train Station -more breathtaking architectural designs. 

Trip Advisor had the best rating for traditional British Fish & Chips at Baileys. We could not help but to find this place and indulge.  We didn't take a picture of the meal because it included a beer and we're trying not to add too much to a reputation.