London August 2013

August 8 we left Knoxville for London.

Our kids joined us along with Laurie's friend, Christine.

The first evening we met some of 

Julie's UK colleagues for dinner.

 The next day we had a guided tour of the town.

Our first stop was Westminster Abbey.

 Photos are not permitted inside the Abbey itself.

This picture is outside a courtyard. 

 We didn't know horses were involved in the changing

of the guard.  This was a couple blocks from 

Buckingham Palace.  I have no idea what the

horses were for and never got a good explanation.

Regardless they were handsome animals.

 Our guide took us to the guard barracks a block from 

the palace.  This is the band marching to the palace

in their bearskin hats.

 Of course, no visit to London is complete without

a picture of Big Ben.

 If you're familiar with the Harry Potter 

movies this was the door they used as 

the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

It was painted black for the movie.

 A different view of Tower Bridge.

 The Globe Theater, really a reproduction of the 

theater Shakespeare used.

We skipped the giant ferris wheel, the Eye of London,

and the Tower of London.  Our time was limited and 

we didn't want to spend it standing in line for hours. 

 Sunday we met with the family of Em's friend, Lucy.

The street in front of Buckingham Palace is closed

to auto traffic on Sunday.  Lots of people 

were out enjoying the beautiful weather.

Our motley crew.  Em, Lucy Wilson, Paul Wilson,

Dwight, Anna Wilson, Dan, Laurie, Julie,

Christine Cain, Michael Wilson.

The next day Julie and I left for Shannon Ireland

leaving the kids behind in London.  They stayed

about another week before returning home.