Exploring London

Jill says....We began our first full day in London with checking out of our hotel and checking into our new one. Yes, they had our room ready for us today. :-) After that excitement, we headed out for a free walking tour of London. It is offered by New Europe (http://www.neweuropetours.eu/). We walked through London for over 3 hours, and learned a lot about London's fascinating history and sites. It was actually very fitting because our tour guide, Lisbee, was quite the storyteller and is obviously an actress in her spare time. We walked through most of the city within that 3 hours--can you say blisters? We got to see many royal residences, and even got to see the changing of the guard, or maybe I should say a glimpse of it since we had to jump up to see over everyone's heads (see pictures). We walked past Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and many guards who seemed to be marching everywhere in the streets.

We headed back to the hostel after our 3 hour tour very exhausted and hopeful that Bethany's luggage would have arrived. No such luck, but Delta had found it and said it should be delivered today. Yay! After we freshened up, we headed out for our first meal of the day. We went to a bistro down the corner that I had fallen in love with last summer when I was in London. It did not disappoint. I love the food in London! Mmm... After that we walked around Bloomsbury and window shopped. When we got back to the hostel, Bethany's wish was granted and her suitcase was waiting for her. It is now 20:25 London time, and I can barely keep my eyes open. I think tonight will be an early night. Tomorrow my cousin, Cindy (a resident of London), is taking us out for the day. We'll definitely need our energy.

Bethany says...
I am so very thankful for my luggage! I was able to dress in clean clothes!! So very happy am I! Now that the luggage crisis is over...(I hope, there is still more traveling ahead.) I think I will be ready for anything! I am super excited about the plans for tomorrow. I cannot wait to see more of London!