We went to London & saw the Queen!

Wow what a huge day yesterday, there were strikes and a protest in London so we had helicopters buzzing the skyline and riot police tearing around the streets all day.  It was a bit disconcerting but no one seemed too bothered.

We had planned to do Westminster Abbey but that was where the main action was to be set so we started late with the British Music Experience at the o2 arena.  I spent far too long stuck in the eighties but it was a great walk down memory lane.  Next was to Leicester Square to get some tickets for a show, we wanted to see the Lion King but it wasn't available so got tix for We Will Rock You.  The kids discovered M&M World and had to have a visit.  It was totally bizarre a whole 5 levels of M&M merchandise, clothes and gifts.  As well as a mix bar of 22 colours.  I couldn't figure it out so asked an attendant but no I was right M&M's were from the US not England?

Tube to Green Park and a walk to Buckingham Palace.  There was a bit of a crowd when we got there, we arrived at the main gate the way we had come and noticed four police bikes waiting to go.  We thought someone important must have been coming or going.  All of a sudden the police came out, stopped the traffic and lined the path.  We had no idea who it was as they drove out but everyone started oohing and aahing and we realised it was the Queen!  What a thrill, perfect timing.

Ollie enjoyed climbing the Queen Victoria Memorial.

We then walked from the palace to Knightsbridge and Harrods.  We had a great photo opportunity at some phone boxes but Sam felt the need to sanitise after he smelt inside.

Harrods, like the west end, was very crowded but we did enjoy the pet kingdom and toy departments.  Sam bought a great magic set, Em & Tan enjoyed some shopping.  I've never seen so many chauffer driven cars in my life.

Next to Kings Cross to find Platform 9 3/4 for another Harry Potter moment.  Then back to Leicester Square to meet John & Daph for dinner.  We got kicked out of the Slug & Lettuce as no kids are allowed after 6pm, so it was Maccas for a quick meal as time was running out.

We were exhausted by now but still had our show to go.  This is where our luck started to run out, we thought we'd get the tube one stop to save the walk but we got all the way down to the platform to discover Tottenham Court Road station was closed until Nov.  We had to walk instead.

We were well and truly had it by the time we got there and glad to have a seat for a while.  The show was great but would have liked more energy to really get into the vibe.  Now the really hard part, a late night trip home on public transport with three tired kids and two worn out parents.

We decided on the bus so we didn't have to change trains but it was a but of a walk to the road the bus stop was on.  Found the stop and waited only to be told it had been temporarily moved.  No problem, so we walked down the road a bit to the new stop without missing a bus and waited.  And waited, and waited, and waited three of every other bus on that route must have come before ours.  Em just wanted to get a cab regardless of the cost.   Finally ours came, and we collapsed in our seats.

Unfortunately the bus changed its destination on route and wasn't going as far as we needed so we had to get off and wait for the next bus.  Anyway we finally made it home around 12.30 and had no trouble getting to sleep.

Click here for the pictures