On schedule (as we usually do), we're getting behind posting pictures. We have good intentions, but as we mentioned before, things --- like exciting trips --- get in the way. Although we're now back in Paris (for a few more days) we still have great memories of our (all too few) days in London.
A familiar sight to BBC viewers is this shot of Big Ben, Parliament and the Westminster Bridge over River Thames. The location is often seen as a backdrop for TV reports from London.
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County Hall Bakery is a proper, almost "dainty" place for coffee, tea, treats and meals. Parisian macaroons seem to have caught the fancy of everyone in London.
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A wider shot of the Houses of Parliament...and the nearly
The Eye....the city's newest landmark structure.
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On a clear you can see far --- and take some amazing shots --- from high atop the Eye. It takes half an hour for each pod (which can hold up to 25 people) to make a complete rotation. It moves slowly so there's no sensation of movement, but peering over the side is a dizzying experience.
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Yes, he was there --- one of only a few pictures of "us" on the trip.
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Brick houses with lovely yards and flowers in Kew, on the way to
Kew Gardens.
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The color of the season is yellow at Kew Gardens, where thousands and thousands of daffodils provided most of the Spring color.
Purple pansies in a pot outside the Palm House looking down Syon Vista
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The only thing disturbing the tranquility of the Gardens --- nearly once ever 1.5 minutes --- are low jets on final for landing at Heathrow. Gerry's a plane buff and he enjoyed seeing these gigantic planes from a different perspective. Larry's inclined to believe the sound ruins the whole experience...
One of the two small temples in the gardens.
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An antique water fountain (not in operation yet)
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Wildly patterned floral curtains --- appropriate for the English Country look of Newens
"The Original Maids of Honor" bakery in Kew --- behind a display of bakery offerings including lemon and orange cakes.
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We had a traditional English Country Breakfast (eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, and bread) alongside a great cup of coffee --- served with a smile by a very friendly waitress.
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The hustle and bustle of the food court at
Paddington Station.
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Windows at St. James Church on Westbourne Terrace pay honor to Londoners who lost their lives during World War II bombings (which destroyed the original church windows).
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London cabs come in all shapes and colors.
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Tame pigeons flocked around this well-dressed man out for a Tuesday morning stroll in Hyde Park not far from Marble Arch. Fountains at the Italian Gardens were being prepared for a busy Summer season... The Olympics are in London in just a few months.
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Getting down (and up) from Tube stations involves a lot of movement on very steep escalators.
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Flowers and fountains in Hyde Park.
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Heading back to the stables after a ride in the park.
A Very Short Video...
Eurostar, Piccadilly Circus, and the London Eye