With our last day in London we wanted to make the absolute most of it. We devised a plan the night before and executed it as best as possible. Finding the best routes on the underground we went to (and perfected the 5 person selfie)...
Abbey Road
It is really just a street crossing with lots of traffic that will honk at you if you take too long. I'm sure the locals just love the tourists. We did do the tourist thing though and walked across the famous crossing and took lots of pictures. There was a newly married couple having their pictures taken there with her in her gown and him in his tux. It was such a cute photo! Not but two feet away from the crossing is Abbey Road Records and we got several pictures there as well.
It is really just a street crossing with lots of traffic that will honk at you if you take too long. I'm sure the locals just love the tourists. We did do the tourist thing though and walked across the famous crossing and took lots of pictures. There was a newly married couple having their pictures taken there with her in her gown and him in his tux. It was such a cute photo! Not but two feet away from the crossing is Abbey Road Records and we got several pictures there as well.
221B Baker Street
From Abbey Road we took our first red double decker bus to Baker Street. It is a packed little section of town with lots of activity. We quickly found Baker Street by the massive line waiting to enter the Sherlock Museum. Having just a short amount of time we opted for pictures with the door that says "221B" and browsing the gift shop. While there we thought it'd be a good time to use the facilities which lie downstairs. We discover tucked away by the restrooms is an open window into Mr. Sherlock's study. It was all so cool!
From Abbey Road we took our first red double decker bus to Baker Street. It is a packed little section of town with lots of activity. We quickly found Baker Street by the massive line waiting to enter the Sherlock Museum. Having just a short amount of time we opted for pictures with the door that says "221B" and browsing the gift shop. While there we thought it'd be a good time to use the facilities which lie downstairs. We discover tucked away by the restrooms is an open window into Mr. Sherlock's study. It was all so cool!
James Street and Bond Street intersection
Growing up my father always told me the James Bond's name came from the London intersection of James Street and Bond Street. Knowing this was probably the closest I would get to a picture with James Bond - we headed to the intersection. But unfortunately Bond Street is no more and has been renamed. It is now just the name of the area. I instead took pictures of the James Street sign and Bond Street underground sign. The area was filled with Saturday shoppers and several "mall" like shops. The best find was the classic red telephone booth!
Growing up my father always told me the James Bond's name came from the London intersection of James Street and Bond Street. Knowing this was probably the closest I would get to a picture with James Bond - we headed to the intersection. But unfortunately Bond Street is no more and has been renamed. It is now just the name of the area. I instead took pictures of the James Street sign and Bond Street underground sign. The area was filled with Saturday shoppers and several "mall" like shops. The best find was the classic red telephone booth!
Piccadilly
Next stop was the Piccadilly area where there are several restaurants and tourist shops. We walked around a bit and then headed to Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square
For a good ways we could hear the noise coming from Trafalgar Square as they were having an EID Festival. We walked in on the top portion of the square and it was madness with the amount of people! We headed to the bottom of the square and could hear bagpipes in our path. As we walked up in the gentleman playing them we saw he had on a kilt and his sign said "Saving for engagement ring." What a lucky gal! We somehow made our way to the bottom section and was able to see how beautiful the square is but I would have loved to have seen it without all the crowds. Caleb said that it's supposed to be the center of London.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Exiting the St. Paul underground we heard a chorus of church bells coming from St. Paul's Cathedral. So that made it all the much easier to find. We entered the garden on the backside of the cathedral but I did know this at the time and promptly took pictures. While walking toward the front, the cathedral's beauty revealed itself at each step. The shear size is impressive and the carvings elaborate. We eventually made it to the front and I stood in awe of the beauty and size. We took several pictures but unfortunately due to time restraints opted not to take the tour. This is one tour I would love to take next time.
Exiting the St. Paul underground we heard a chorus of church bells coming from St. Paul's Cathedral. So that made it all the much easier to find. We entered the garden on the backside of the cathedral but I did know this at the time and promptly took pictures. While walking toward the front, the cathedral's beauty revealed itself at each step. The shear size is impressive and the carvings elaborate. We eventually made it to the front and I stood in awe of the beauty and size. We took several pictures but unfortunately due to time restraints opted not to take the tour. This is one tour I would love to take next time.
Platform 9 & 3/4
When you're in London and I big Harry Potter fan like myself you have to see Platform 9 and 3/4. First off the King's Cross Station is just as beautiful in person. With the old brick and sky lights you can almost imagine how it was years and years ago. We easily found the platform because of the line to take pictures of it. Again because of time restraints we were unable to stand in line for a proper picture and took a 5 person selfie instead. Still very neat to see!
When you're in London and I big Harry Potter fan like myself you have to see Platform 9 and 3/4. First off the King's Cross Station is just as beautiful in person. With the old brick and sky lights you can almost imagine how it was years and years ago. We easily found the platform because of the line to take pictures of it. Again because of time restraints we were unable to stand in line for a proper picture and took a 5 person selfie instead. Still very neat to see!
Jack the Ripper tour in Whitechapel
Three of us went on a tour of Jack the Ripper spots. On the tour we learned a lot more about the victims and Jack. Most of the victims were previously married and had children. They either came on hard times and had to sell themselves or were kicked out of their home for alcoholism and had to sell themselves to survive. They were also older and not too young. Our tour guide was great and she had researched Jack for a long time. She was a member of Scotland Yard, been interviewed for documentaries and even visited with the families of some of the victims. She had previously unseen photos as well. It was kind of crazy to stand in the same spot that someone was murdered many years ago.
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