Entry #42

They finally let us out! On Sunday, December 6, we flew from Delhi at 3:30 in the morning to London on British Airways with very comfortable seating. Never mind the line for check-in and seating, the line for passport and visa interrogation and giving up our FRO's (that's foreign registration). We soon found that the flight was delayed, so we sat and I did some people-watching and Kent did his usual wandering, but not too far. Finally got settled in on the plane with our blankies, pillow, socks, earphone, newspapers, t.v. screen and much more room than we ever thought we could have. After arriving in London, we got in another line for "UK border". They wanted to know why we came, where we were going and where we had been. Turned in our Indian rupees for English currency. Naturally we weren't prepared for the rain and cold, (who had room for a winter coat?!) but we braved it and enjoyed London and a beautiful room at the Marriott County Hall.

The London Eye

The Marriott is tucked into the building to the right.

There is also a McDonald's where Kent had his first juicy cheeseburger!

Big Ben

Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery

The National Gallery has lots of paintings; Gainsborough,

Rembrandt and da Vinci.
No picture-taking allowed inside.

Harrod's had their windows decorated in the Wizard of Oz theme. This was a great place to keep warm, and have lunch, which cost us $70.00! I also purchased a pair of very warm and fuzzy socks -- very cheap.

The British Museum

Many items from Greece, Africa, China and Egypt.
Lots of wows.
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We also enjoyed the Victoria and Albert Museum. They have rooms and rooms devoted to helmets, fabrics, silver, fashion and the most amazing collection of jewelry. The National Portrait Gallery was also a favorite. Kent wasn't real excited to go museum hopping, but in December you don't have much choice! We reaquainted ourselves with the underground and wore layers.

Tower Bridge

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We enjoyed our visit to London, some rest and relaxation, while we adjusted to the time change, had some good food and before our next leg of the trip back to the States. We do not look forward to packing up our eight pieces of luggage...