EUROPE TRIP: London Edition- Camden Market, Tower of London, British Museum

Saturday April 27, 2013:

Once again when we travel we pack it all in!  Today we went back to visit all the sites we wanted to explore more.  First up we headed to the Tower of London.  I was excited to see the crown jewels, and I must say the moving sidewalk you stand on is the best thing ever so you don't get masses of people standing in front of you blocking your view.

The Tower of London

One of the guards at the tower

The torture chamber had all kinds of interesting things in it

Nick and Nathan wanted this set armor

Imagine a sword fight happening up these steps

For lunch today we headed to Camden Market and once again there was every food choice you could imagine. 

 Nick only had his eye out for fish and chips and said they were 'out of this world'!

I opted for Chinese food and a Nutella crepe!

Next up was the British Museum.  I wish that we had all day to spend there, but we had so much to see and do this day that we only had about two hours here.  I couldn't get over that all the artifacts, statues, and exhibits were out in the open!  I feel like everything in the US is behind glass and untouchable.

Cleopatra's mummy

The Rosetta Stone, one of the few things behind glass and for good reason!  Nick was very excited to see this.

Reconstruction of the Nereid Monument built in 390 BC

The Great Court (and the famous ceiling) of the British Museum

The outside of the British Museum

Harrods---The shopping mecca of the world

This is quite the escalator!

The Princess Diana tribute in Harrods

Nice cars out front of Harrods!

After being so overwhelmed in Harrods, we went to nearby mall and Nick bought himself a necktie.  He knew he wanted to buy one in London, and held out for the 'perfect one'.

The next day it was up early for us to head to the airport for the looooong travel day back to the US.  We were lucky enough to have seats on the side of the plane where it was only two seats in the section!  It was great.  We just watched movies and relaxed until we arrive in Charlotte where we parted ways and then had to head back to reality.  It was such a GREAT trip!  I feel so blessed that we were able to do this in our 'younger years'.

EUROPE TRIP: Winchester, England

Nathan suggested going to see Winchester while we were out by Windsor Castle.  Winchester was the old capital of England before they moved it to London.  On the drive to Winchester we passed Ascot Racetrack.  I was trying to explain to Nathan what the Kentucky Derby was and about Churchill Downs--he was not impressed and said that we had stop at Ascot.  Well, the track wasn't opened (mind you Churchill Downs is open 365 days a year-which makes it already better)!  So we couldnt' go in, but at least it made for a photo opportunity out front.

The center of Winchester is the huge cathedral.  It was beautiful.  The sun was starting to set and it was such a pretty sight.  The cathedral was founded in 642!!

Somehow we took only one picture of the four of us!  The Bowles were such great hosts and we were glad that we were able to spend so much time with them.

King Arthur statue

EUROPE TRIP: Windsor Castle and English Food

Friday April 26, 2013:

Of course eating was high on Nick's agenda for this trip.  His number one request was a traditional English breakfast.  We went to a local pub and everyone including the waitress was taken back when he ordered two meals for himself.  I must admit it was pretty good.  We do sausage all wrong in America.  It was delicious and cheap!

On the agenda for today was a visit to Windsor Castle.  This is where the Queen spends most of her time and I can see why.  It is beautiful!  Seriously, it is like living in a museum.  They are serious about not taking pictures inside, they literally threatened this guy and took his camera who succeeded at taking a picture.  So even though there are zero pictures of the inside, the outside was just as neat.

We had a few drizzles throughout the day, but I think it helped to keep the crowds down so we were okay with it.

Man love at it's finest.  Again, Nathan, had never been here!!  

St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.  I'm pretty sure that everyone who is royalty has been buried here.  We asked the guide if Queen Elizabeth II would be buried here when she died, and the response was, "well, her parents are here."  So interpret that how you would like :)

They really don't move!

Nick and Nathan trying to take some lessons from the guard

And what would a trip to England be without a traditional English Pasty.  It is almost like a thick beef stew wrapped in pie crust. Well, I will tell you I took one bite and was done!  Not for me.  Nick got the pleasure of eating two.

Another great day exploring.