England

I was most intimidated by the trip to London with the planning, but it turned out to be delightful!  Our bed and breakfast was outside London in the town of Horley.  Our cab driver recommended a restaurant within walking distance, so we gave it a try the first evening.  It was called Ye Olde Six Bells and was very cool.

This room was more comfortable than the first room and the shower maintained the desired temperature!  We were just a few minutes from the lovely town of Horley and each morning we walked  to have breakfast at a local eatery on the way to the train station.  We were able to purchase day traveler tickets for London's public transportation and ride 45 minutes into London.  We got off at London Bridge and explored the nearby area before purchasing tickets on one of those hop on hop off bus tours about the city.  This was wonderful and the kids enjoyed riding the double decker buses.  We rode around, soaking up the sights and information from the tour and decided to hop off at Buckingham Palace.  (No changing of the guards that day, but we did take pictures of the ones there).  We were able to get tickets and see the state rooms there.  It was absolutely amazing!  The queen was not in residence, in case you were wondering.  After our tour we hopped back on the bus and saw more of the city.  When the bus stopped running we had to go to the underground, catch a train to Victoria Station, and then the national rail back to Horley.  We definitely figured out the system!  We grabbed takeout in Horley on the way back to the b&b.  

Our final day in England had us returning to London.  We made our way to Tower Hill and went to the Tower of London.  I cannot convey how incredible it was to visit there.  We spent about four hours exploring the castle.  One anecdote though was when we were in the White Tour, exploring the armory, when one of the wardens approached me to ask if he could borrow my children for a minute.  I confess that I stared at him blankly for a moment, wondering WHAT ON EARTH HAD MY CHILDREN DONE??? before giving him permission.  I followed him and realized that he was just being a sweetie.  He removed the dividing rope of a display and allowed Clara and Zach to each shine a "diamond" and "ruby".  They were massive and Clara thought it was so special.  Zach was reluctant and thought we were crazy to ask him to blow and rub on the "ruby".  These were about the size of baseballs!  I was just relieved.  When we were done, we grabbed fish & chips to go and sat on the steps overlooking the castle before making our way back to Horley.  

We were able to see many sights on this short stay and were just amazed at what we explored.  We only scratched the surface though so I hope to make my way back one day.