London & Paris Trip Report
Sep 24th, 2007, 02:51 PM
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London & Paris Trip Report
From July 21 through August 1, 2007, my husband (DH), 15-year-old daughter (DT) and 11-year old daughter (DD) enjoyed a fabulous trip to London and Paris. Because of all of the helpful hints and great tips we picked up on this message board before our travels, we wanted to reciprocate by posting our trip report (in sections) in the hopes that it will help others.
Day 1 – Departed Miami 8:05 p.m. on American Airlines. Seated 2 and 2, which was great. Ate dinner, watched movies and went to sleep.
Day 2 – Arrived London at 9:45 a.m. Weather was sunny and perfect temperature. We used a car service to take us to hotel. The driver was late and we had to wait about 15 or 20 minutes for him to arrive. Followed him to car park and traveled in a large van –very comfy. We checked in at Marriott County Hall – huge building, with long beautiful driveway to reach hotel. Room wasn’t ready, so girls changed clothes and we walked to Waterloo Station, where we bought our 7-day Oyster cards and took 16-minute tube ride on Northern Line to Camden Market. We LOVED the tube – always amazed at how spotless the cars and the stations are kept. What a pleasure! We came up from tube right at market(s). Very crowded, but great shopping for DT! A teen paradise, and definitely not all goth! She woke up instantly as she shopped for “bargains” (at least prices were not terrible even at double US prices). She bought a dress, some shirts, and rings. DD got London jacket, rings, etc. DH and DD got tired and went back. DT and I shopped at a few more stores and smaller markets. We headed back, only to find out that Camdentown tube station closes Sunday afternoons due to heavy traffic. We were told by a subway employee to walk a few blocks to next station. It was about a 15 minute walk. We returned to the room - beautiful room with awesome view of the Thames and the London Eye. The cars from the Eye passed right by our window! When lying in one of the beds, we had a great view of Big Ben! What a treat! Took naps around 4 p.m., woke up and tubed to Leicester Square. Great area. We had dinner at Belle Italia – nice, casual Italian restaurant – good pastas. Returned to hotel, watched “On Stage” channel highlighting London plays, and went to bed.
Day 3 - Woke up to a cloudy day, but no rain. We had breakfast at Starbucks across street, and learned that prices differ whether you eat there or “takeaway” (a few pence cheaper). We wanted to beat the lines at London Eye, so we got there when it opened and walked right on! Even though the day was gray, we had wonderful views of the city in all directions. We walked along the river, DH had fresh waffle for breakfast on the waterfront, girls had ice cream! Started the Original Bus Company double decker bus tour in front of our hotel. It was a wonderful way to see the whole city and to get our bearings for later visits. We arrived at Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. We wouldn’t have rushed to see it since we’ve seen it before, but the timing worked out, and actually this was the best that we have ever been able to see the guards and the ceremony. We returned to the bus pickup point and enjoyed watching a group of ladies across the street, all dressed up and all wearing fancy hats. We were told that they were likely attending a “garden party” with the Queen, who often hosts these parties for various charity representatives. Hopped back on the bus and continued to enjoy the sites, but girls were tired from time change, and they stretched out and went to sleep. We passed through areas of Westminster, Belgravia (admired all the white buildings which are in sharp contrast to the rest of London), Piccadilly, Oxford Circus, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, etc. We got off the bus at Covent Garden and had an enjoyable lunch at Belgo Centraal on Earlham Street. Waiters dress like monks and the restaurant is downstairs in a cellar/basement. Great goat cheese salad and steak frittes – french fries were the best! Then we returned to the bus to pass by the City, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, etc. We exited at Tower of London and walked down to the pier to take the River Thames Boat Tour, which was included in our bus admission. Weather was rainy and misty by this point, so we sat indoors in the boat and listened to the commentary. Got off the boat at Westminster, walked across the bridge back to our hotel and took naps. Since the weather was very rainy when we woke up, we went through County Hall and ran across the street to Locale for Italian food – very nice atmosphere, good food and lots of locals. Returned to hotel.
Day 4 – Woke up to a gorgeous, sunny day. Got the girls moving because we wanted to be at Tower of London by 9 (when it opened) to avoid the crowds. We had breakfast at Starbucks on our way to the tube. Arrived at Tower of London by 9, and were thrilled that it was virtually empty. We walked right into the Crown Jewels and went on the moving sidewalk immediately at least two more times. Saw crowns, scepters, and lots of gold, including world’s largest “punch bowl” and “drinking mugs” – at least we joked that’s what they looked like. We then joined the first beefeater tour of the morning at 10 a.m., and by then, we felt like we were in the world’s largest tour group. There had to be at least 80 to 100 people, but the yeoman warder had an incredibly loud voice (I’m sure his throat was sore after our tour) so it was not a problem at all to hear him. The tour was fantastic – not to be missed. The stories, history and information were told in a fun and extremely humorous way! It was also interesting to learn that the yeoman warders actually live inside the Tower property! We left the Tower of London after the Tour and headed down the Thames to the Tower Bridge. Took the elevator to the top of the bridge, which was an unexpected treat! It was very cool to be standing on the top of the bridge looking at the views. We looked at some of the pictures displayed in the bridge and read some of the stories, but didn’t do all of the exhibits because the girls were “toured out.” We walked back along river to Wagamama next to Tower of London. We had read so much about it before we left, and we liked it – lots of Asian choices. We tried various dishes and liked most of them. We then tubed to Oxford Street for shopping. DT was in heaven in Top Shop – 4 floors of a “Forever 21” type store, including a beauty salon, café, etc. Oxford Street felt like the middle of Manhattan – so many people on the streets! DH and DD headed back, and DT and I looked in a few more stores, including Monsoon, and Miss Selfridge’s (part of Top Shop). Met back at room for a short nap, then headed to Leicester Square. We finally found the actual square which was buzzing with people. The huge Odeon movie theater playing Harry Potter was on the square. Walked around a bit and ate dinner at Burger Shack off of one of the side streets, which was a sort of “restaurant row.” Burger Shack is a Smolensky’s restaurant (where we took the girls 10 years ago), and it was a perfect casual dinner – cute atmosphere, good hamburgers and fish & chips, nice waiter. We then walked over to Picadilly Circus for a few pictures and shopping in tourist store. We finished up there and tubed to Tower of London to watch the “Ceremony of the Keys.” This was a definite highlight of the trip and worth ordering the (free) tickets months in advance! A Yeoman Warder met us, and only one other family of five, at the gated entrance. He let us in the gates and gave us a history of the Tower of London, including what would transpire during the ceremony, which has taken place every night without fail for more than 700 YEARS! This includes one night during WWII when the Tower was bombed, but the ceremony still took place, albeit 20 minutes late! We essentially had our own private tour of the Tower for about 15 minutes before a group of about 30 people who were attending a dinner function at the Tower met up with us. The ceremony lasts approximately 7 minutes and it was amazing. It included the following: Chief Yeoman Warder walked up the path alone with a lantern in hand, and a Tower Guard headed toward him from the other direction. The Tower Guard pointed his gun at the Chief YW and yelled: “HALT! Who Goes There?” The Chief “YW” replies, “The keeper of the keys!” “Whose keys?” “Queen Elizabeth’s keys!” “You may pass!” The Chief YW then meets up with four other guards who escort him back to the gates to be locked, and then the keys are delivered to another important guy who resides in the Tower for safekeeping for the night. The girls loved the ceremony as much as we did! We will try to get tickets again for our next trip to London. Definitely something to see! Headed back to hotel for the night.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Day 1 – Departed Miami 8:05 p.m. on American Airlines. Seated 2 and 2, which was great. Ate dinner, watched movies and went to sleep.
Day 2 – Arrived London at 9:45 a.m. Weather was sunny and perfect temperature. We used a car service to take us to hotel. The driver was late and we had to wait about 15 or 20 minutes for him to arrive. Followed him to car park and traveled in a large van –very comfy. We checked in at Marriott County Hall – huge building, with long beautiful driveway to reach hotel. Room wasn’t ready, so girls changed clothes and we walked to Waterloo Station, where we bought our 7-day Oyster cards and took 16-minute tube ride on Northern Line to Camden Market. We LOVED the tube – always amazed at how spotless the cars and the stations are kept. What a pleasure! We came up from tube right at market(s). Very crowded, but great shopping for DT! A teen paradise, and definitely not all goth! She woke up instantly as she shopped for “bargains” (at least prices were not terrible even at double US prices). She bought a dress, some shirts, and rings. DD got London jacket, rings, etc. DH and DD got tired and went back. DT and I shopped at a few more stores and smaller markets. We headed back, only to find out that Camdentown tube station closes Sunday afternoons due to heavy traffic. We were told by a subway employee to walk a few blocks to next station. It was about a 15 minute walk. We returned to the room - beautiful room with awesome view of the Thames and the London Eye. The cars from the Eye passed right by our window! When lying in one of the beds, we had a great view of Big Ben! What a treat! Took naps around 4 p.m., woke up and tubed to Leicester Square. Great area. We had dinner at Belle Italia – nice, casual Italian restaurant – good pastas. Returned to hotel, watched “On Stage” channel highlighting London plays, and went to bed.
Day 3 - Woke up to a cloudy day, but no rain. We had breakfast at Starbucks across street, and learned that prices differ whether you eat there or “takeaway” (a few pence cheaper). We wanted to beat the lines at London Eye, so we got there when it opened and walked right on! Even though the day was gray, we had wonderful views of the city in all directions. We walked along the river, DH had fresh waffle for breakfast on the waterfront, girls had ice cream! Started the Original Bus Company double decker bus tour in front of our hotel. It was a wonderful way to see the whole city and to get our bearings for later visits. We arrived at Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. We wouldn’t have rushed to see it since we’ve seen it before, but the timing worked out, and actually this was the best that we have ever been able to see the guards and the ceremony. We returned to the bus pickup point and enjoyed watching a group of ladies across the street, all dressed up and all wearing fancy hats. We were told that they were likely attending a “garden party” with the Queen, who often hosts these parties for various charity representatives. Hopped back on the bus and continued to enjoy the sites, but girls were tired from time change, and they stretched out and went to sleep. We passed through areas of Westminster, Belgravia (admired all the white buildings which are in sharp contrast to the rest of London), Piccadilly, Oxford Circus, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch, Green Park, etc. We got off the bus at Covent Garden and had an enjoyable lunch at Belgo Centraal on Earlham Street. Waiters dress like monks and the restaurant is downstairs in a cellar/basement. Great goat cheese salad and steak frittes – french fries were the best! Then we returned to the bus to pass by the City, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, etc. We exited at Tower of London and walked down to the pier to take the River Thames Boat Tour, which was included in our bus admission. Weather was rainy and misty by this point, so we sat indoors in the boat and listened to the commentary. Got off the boat at Westminster, walked across the bridge back to our hotel and took naps. Since the weather was very rainy when we woke up, we went through County Hall and ran across the street to Locale for Italian food – very nice atmosphere, good food and lots of locals. Returned to hotel.
Day 4 – Woke up to a gorgeous, sunny day. Got the girls moving because we wanted to be at Tower of London by 9 (when it opened) to avoid the crowds. We had breakfast at Starbucks on our way to the tube. Arrived at Tower of London by 9, and were thrilled that it was virtually empty. We walked right into the Crown Jewels and went on the moving sidewalk immediately at least two more times. Saw crowns, scepters, and lots of gold, including world’s largest “punch bowl” and “drinking mugs” – at least we joked that’s what they looked like. We then joined the first beefeater tour of the morning at 10 a.m., and by then, we felt like we were in the world’s largest tour group. There had to be at least 80 to 100 people, but the yeoman warder had an incredibly loud voice (I’m sure his throat was sore after our tour) so it was not a problem at all to hear him. The tour was fantastic – not to be missed. The stories, history and information were told in a fun and extremely humorous way! It was also interesting to learn that the yeoman warders actually live inside the Tower property! We left the Tower of London after the Tour and headed down the Thames to the Tower Bridge. Took the elevator to the top of the bridge, which was an unexpected treat! It was very cool to be standing on the top of the bridge looking at the views. We looked at some of the pictures displayed in the bridge and read some of the stories, but didn’t do all of the exhibits because the girls were “toured out.” We walked back along river to Wagamama next to Tower of London. We had read so much about it before we left, and we liked it – lots of Asian choices. We tried various dishes and liked most of them. We then tubed to Oxford Street for shopping. DT was in heaven in Top Shop – 4 floors of a “Forever 21” type store, including a beauty salon, café, etc. Oxford Street felt like the middle of Manhattan – so many people on the streets! DH and DD headed back, and DT and I looked in a few more stores, including Monsoon, and Miss Selfridge’s (part of Top Shop). Met back at room for a short nap, then headed to Leicester Square. We finally found the actual square which was buzzing with people. The huge Odeon movie theater playing Harry Potter was on the square. Walked around a bit and ate dinner at Burger Shack off of one of the side streets, which was a sort of “restaurant row.” Burger Shack is a Smolensky’s restaurant (where we took the girls 10 years ago), and it was a perfect casual dinner – cute atmosphere, good hamburgers and fish & chips, nice waiter. We then walked over to Picadilly Circus for a few pictures and shopping in tourist store. We finished up there and tubed to Tower of London to watch the “Ceremony of the Keys.” This was a definite highlight of the trip and worth ordering the (free) tickets months in advance! A Yeoman Warder met us, and only one other family of five, at the gated entrance. He let us in the gates and gave us a history of the Tower of London, including what would transpire during the ceremony, which has taken place every night without fail for more than 700 YEARS! This includes one night during WWII when the Tower was bombed, but the ceremony still took place, albeit 20 minutes late! We essentially had our own private tour of the Tower for about 15 minutes before a group of about 30 people who were attending a dinner function at the Tower met up with us. The ceremony lasts approximately 7 minutes and it was amazing. It included the following: Chief Yeoman Warder walked up the path alone with a lantern in hand, and a Tower Guard headed toward him from the other direction. The Tower Guard pointed his gun at the Chief YW and yelled: “HALT! Who Goes There?” The Chief “YW” replies, “The keeper of the keys!” “Whose keys?” “Queen Elizabeth’s keys!” “You may pass!” The Chief YW then meets up with four other guards who escort him back to the gates to be locked, and then the keys are delivered to another important guy who resides in the Tower for safekeeping for the night. The girls loved the ceremony as much as we did! We will try to get tickets again for our next trip to London. Definitely something to see! Headed back to hotel for the night.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Sep 24th, 2007, 03:29 PM
#4
Great report so far! Your room at County Hall sounds fabulous.
(One teensy [gentle] suggestion - maybe a few paragraphs would help a lot. Your individual days are pretty long sections and hard to read w/o any breaks.)
(One teensy [gentle] suggestion - maybe a few paragraphs would help a lot. Your individual days are pretty long sections and hard to read w/o any breaks.)
