Cinnamon Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Yesterday was Hubbys birthday,& he wanted us all to go to London for the day. The weather was great, & we had a lovely time wandering around Covent Garden (Lush fans - I got to go to 'B Never' !!!) We went to The Tower of London which was a massive disappointment to us all. It was deadly dull ,& even the Crown Jewels were a bit of a let down. Seeing where Anne Boleyn was executed was interesting though,but I had really hoped to soak up lots of the Tudor atmoshere,which was sadly lacking. The absolute hilight of the day for me,in fact for all of us,was walking up to the London Gherkin, a building which I have admired for a very long time. It was just stunning in the flesh,with the sun glinting off the glass panels & just massive - much bigger than I realised. I would recommend anyone to go & see it...all of it,from top to tip. It is a beautiful thing. We had hoped to take in the Eye,Aquarium & a few other sights,but the day flew by & we were exhausted by the time we left at 5ish A good time was had by all - even the teens didn't complain about being torn away from their ipods for a day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 The gherkin looks fab Sarah. I wouldn't mind seeing that myself. We often talk about taking Stefan (and due baby) to see the London sights, as I remember my parents taking me to do the tourist thing too. I remember seeing the Crown Jewels and was in awe. It is a shame if it's all gone to the dogs these days. I'd like to take an open top bus there too. Something else that's a bit touristy, but great fun I imagine. It's good to get to know the history of what's on your own door step. Sounds like you all had a great day out. Glad the sun shined for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you had a great day I love doing the occasional day trip to London - always spend far too much money though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you had a good day Sarah! I STILL haven't been on the eye. Its on my list of things to do soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Love that photo - glad you all had a great day. Seeing the sights is so exhausting though isn't it? Gina - when Layla was little we drove to London to see friends - she was asleep in the car but woke up just as we were approaching the West End. She opened her eyes and went 'Wow'. She was astonished by all the big buildings. She did have a bit of a thing about big buildings but we looked through her eyes and went 'Wow' too. I always try and remember that moment - as you age you forget how impressive London and other big cities and sights are - and it takes a reminder from a child of how fantastic the world is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you had a good day Sarah! I STILL haven't been on the eye. Its on my list of things to do soon. I haven't either - shall we have an omlet meet??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missuscluck Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you had a lovley day. Havent been in ages as a friend we used to go and visit in Richmond sadly died a few years back. We used to visit then train in to see the sights. Must go again soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 (edited) My daughter and I went on the Eye when we were in London just a few weeks ago....and Afamily and I were in the O2 arena at the same time without realising . We went up at night and it was fabulous. I have no head for heights but felt very safe. Can't wait to go in the day now. Edited April 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 (edited) I have no head for heights but felt very safe. Nor me Egluntine, but I liked it too. You can go up the Gherkin, I think that they open for just one day per year. Edited April 16, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Love that photo - glad you all had a great day. Seeing the sights is so exhausting though isn't it? Gina - when Layla was little we drove to London to see friends - she was asleep in the car but woke up just as we were approaching the West End. She opened her eyes and went 'Wow'. She was astonished by all the big buildings. She did have a bit of a thing about big buildings but we looked through her eyes and went 'Wow' too. I always try and remember that moment - as you age you forget how impressive London and other big cities and sights are - and it takes a reminder from a child of how fantastic the world is. That's so true Tina. A nice reminder On a similar note, but totally different, we had a thing with Stefan when we tried to get him to climb the stairs without being picked up. He sat and cried at the bottom, clearly distressed. What was a few steps to us, was a pretty daunting mountain to him (he's mastered them now!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 We keep saying that we must take the kids, it would be a long day trip for us but just about possible, must go this summer. Glad you had a good day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 It's really weird reading about your exciting day in London. I work in the city and walk past St Paul’s' about 3 or 4 times a day and also past The Old Bailey. Even though I have worked in the city for over 20 years, I still enjoy marvelling at the architecture all around me. When they were building the Gherkin, I was working on the 35th floor of what was the old Nat West Tower. I managed to get some great video of them putting it together. It is amazing to stand underneath it, and I never tire of looking at it. Regards Dodge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 It's really weird reading about your exciting day in London. I work in the city and walk past St Paul’s' about 3 or 4 times a day and also past The Old Bailey. Even though I have worked in the city for over 20 years, I still enjoy marvelling at the architecture all around me. When they were building the Gherkin, I was working on the 35th floor of what was the old Nat West Tower. I managed to get some great video of them putting it together. It is amazing to stand underneath it, and I never tire of looking at it. Regards Dodge I saw an amazing programme on how they designed & built it a while ago I loved the M16 building too, which is just stunning.I love looking at buildings & to get so near the Gherkin was amazing.It doesn't look like it should stay up....very odd up close! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Can't wait to go in the day now. If you time it right, you can start in dusk and finish in the dark! That's what we did last time - I love the London Eye! I'm glad you had a great day Sarah - and how lucky that the weather was fine for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhapsody Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Weird. The Tower is my London must-see. Did you do the free Beefeater tour? Always hilarious and informative (and creepy in parts) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 what a coincidence - my sister and her family went to london for a trip yesterday. Glad you had a good time. They did madame tussauds, Hamleys, The Mall, etc. ....oh and caught a game at Chelsea fc! I loved going to london when I was a kid,...my favourite was the london dungeons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I've lived in London for over 40 years. The only time I have ever been to the touristy attractions is when I've been taking foreign friends/visitors around for a tour. I got my purse nicked at the Tower of London 'Off With Their Heads" Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you had a good day, Sarah. I'd love to see the Gherkin. It's such a beautiful piece of architecture. Simply stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I was interested to read that you were disappointed with the Tower of London. It has always been on my list of places to see before I shuffle off this mortal coil. I might cross it off. Good to hear that you had an enjoyable family day out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 We only went to the Tower briefly as we took some American relatives and didn't have a lot of time - Carl desperately wants to go back and see it properly. I quite liked it as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursechick Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 I was interested to read that you were disappointed with the Tower of London. It has always been on my list of places to see before I shuffle off this mortal coil. I might cross it off. Egluntine, don't what ever you do cross it off;I went on a school trip when I was about 12 and my son has just been on the same trip and we both agreed how interesting it was.The Beefeater guided tour is great cos they tell all the scarey and "bloody thirsty" stories.If you're interested in history it's a must.It looks so fantastic,surrounded by modern day life.I've been as an adult and found it just as facinating.You need a good few hours to do it justidice;a sunny day helps as well!! The Crown jewels display used to be very crowded as I remember but my son says you go along on a moving walkway now so you get a good view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basset Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you had a lovely day in London. I think it is the best city in the world - I try to take the children into London every school hols, as we are only 30mins away by train. I agree that The Tower is a must see, I've been a few times and think it's fab. After the a Tower tour we love to catch the riverboat (which stops outside) and go along the river to Greenwich. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Glad you a fab day in London Sometimes I really miss living and working London.............but then I remember the stress, fumes and lack of space and realise living 5 mins from the sea is much calmer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Sometimes I really miss living and working London.............but then I remember the stress, fumes and lack of space Me too Pam, but when I think about it, I really only miss my friends. A day in London is enough for me these days... living and working there for 12 years was more than enough for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I love London I have lived and worked in central London in the past, and loved it although with a family I'm much happier outside of the city now. But I'm still only about 40mins away by train and I try to go in 3 or 4 times a year, I love just walking along the embankment , popping into the Tate modern, exploring some of the parks, gawping at some of the fabulous architecture, we have such an amazing range of buildings from the old to the really modern. I love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
