Memorial Day in the US - a day given to thought and gratitude to those who have fought on foreign lands and gave their lives to protect one of our most treasured human rights -- to be free. Thank you soldiers for what you have sacrificed and have paid the ultimate price. We have not forgotten.
It was somewhat different not seeing an American flag flying on this day. But that doesn't mean John and I didn't acknowledge what this day is all about. Its been great seeing all of the Facebook posts today of parades, family gatherings and other special moments depicting scenes of how freedom is celebrated in our great country by those we love and miss.
It was all about walking today - a lot of walking! But it was perfect way to spend the day. We had a few rain drops, but nothing we couldn't handle. Even stopped at McDonalds to split a burger and down a soda.
We started out walking to Westminster Bridge which goes over the Thames River. (If you have trouble seeing the pictures, click on them to enlarge for a better view).
It wasn't too long ago where an incredible act of terrorism took the lives of 4 people and injured so many more. Several of these memorials were placed along the bridge.
We didn't get the chance, but it is back on our agenda tomorrow - to catch the London Eye....maybe.. :)
One cannot go along the Westminster Bridge and not see the House of Parliament and Big Ben. Every quarter hour, Big Ben chimed.
Please forgive me --- I did not wish to fight the humidity today and possible rain. So I simply added gel to my hair and away we went. Not one of my more prouder moments. :)
I love this shot John was able to take with the camera on his phone. Great shot of Big Ben!
The structures in this capitol city are impressive, massive, and just simply incredible to behold. No picture can do it all justice. I couldn't resist just taking a photo of some of the buildings with all its columns, doors, flying buttresses, and immense size. After crossing the Westminster Bridge, we came upon a park with massive statutes of stately British officials. Of course, this one is the most obvious.
The building across the street from this was the Churchill War Rooms and Imperial War Museum.
Like Washington D.C., London has memorials of its heroes from different wars. I felt it only fitting to capture some of them.
Remembering WWI
"Monty"
Viscount Montgomery
A memorial of uniforms of service women of WWII.
Memorializing the British armed services during WWI
Not too far down we came across the Horse Guard Parade Grounds. John was able to get a couple of great shots, one even turned to look specifically at John while he was taking the picture. :)
We finally made our way to Trafalgar Square.
Not realizing it, but the National Gallery was close by, so we made our way to there, catching a few sites along the way.
In front of the National Gallery
This just made us laugh. I think this should replace the current Facebook thumbs up emoji.
John with Yoda! :)
Kids were just loving this one!
Since the National Gallery is free (for the most part) well, we just couldn't pass that up. Interestingly, photos were not prohibited. The section I truly wanted to see was closed off for renovation. We got lost and a very nice staffer told us that we couldn't get to see those painting and that they were literally stacked on top of each other. I just cannot imagine great works of art by Raphael, da Vinci, van Gogh and others piled up (insert shocked emoji here). I was, however, lucky enough to photograph a few Monet's and van Gogh's and others.
This one was my favorite -- probably because I can relate. :)
Once outside the gallery we decided to make our way to Buckingham Palace, but along the way we encountered a few chalk artists creating this incredible picture. Of course we had to place a few coins on Old Glory.
We walked along the Mall all the way down to the Buckingham Palace. I just marveled at all of the beautiful trees --- HUGE trees that the city has maintained. Gorgeous trees one would think had to exist at the time of WWII. So beautiful.
Admiralty Arch
(archway to the walkway to the palace)
It appears the Queen is in residence today.
Before the gates of Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace
Statute of Queen Victoria (I recognize that stoic face anywhere!) :)
Sitting on the steps below Queen Victoria's statue looking towards the park near the palace.
View of Queen Victoria statue, Buckingham Palace and the Union Jack.
Just a few shots of some incredible structures while working our way back toward
Westminster Bridge
John wanted to get some shots of 10 Downing Street, but unfortunately there was no access allowed.
We finished our day with a slow walk down to Westminster Abbey
After 7 hours of walking around London, we felt it was time to give ourselves a rest and head back to the hotel. Tomorrow's a new day...a day we are going to try the underground Tube to get around to outer parts of the city. Wish us luck!! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment