London

We were in London this weekend and we were all blown away by what a dynamic and brilliant (pronounced with an english accent) city it is. Last time I was there I was 23 and my memories had largely faded or I was too inebriated to remember much.  If truth be told, I didn't have any burning desire to return to London and was there for a StoneWood "business" meeting. While it has become a major financial center and has undergone a "renaissance" of sorts over the past 20 years, I naively didn't put it in the same class as cities such as New York, Paris, Rome etc. I stand corrected and we can't wait to go back. There are simply too many things to do and see that we were all disappointed that the weekend ended so quickly and we had to return "home" to Nice. 

Busted in London!!

We stayed in Covent Garden close to the theatre district and exhausted ourselves with all the walking we did, which is the best way to explore any city.  It seemed like the entire city was out and about the entire weekend.  A sea of people everywhere, Brits and tourists out shopping, sightseeing, sitting in Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, going to or coming from the theater etc etc.  Like Tim Hortons or Starbucks back home, pubs are everywhere and are bursting at the seams with people relaxing and enjoying a pint ..... or 3 with friends.  Each junction (I had no idea what a junction was before this weekend) came alive with black cabs, double decker buses, cyclists and pedestrians converging at once with each knowing their role - organized chaos of sorts.  No matter the time of day or whether we were walking to the theatre to watch Oliver or Lion King, walking along the Thames through the market in Borough or Covent Garden, visiting Tower Bridge or Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels or Parliament Square to stare in amazement of Westminister Abbey, Big Ben or Winston Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms or walking along the Mall to Buckingham Palace people were literally everywhere despite the cold (14C), often rainy weather.  

A typical pub with people enjoying a pint...

Mr. Bean on set in front of Buckingham Palace

While the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace was cancelled friday, Nancy and the girls (I had an all day meeting) were fortunate to take a tour of the state rooms in the Palace which by all accounts was the highlight of the trip for the girls and Nancy. 

As for my highlight, I simply enjoyed the high I got from walking, camera in hand, with Nancy and the kids (seeing their bright expressions), exploring and taking in all that London has to offer.... its royal history and architecture, black cabs and double decker buses, red telephone booths, theater and pubs and so much, much more.  We were pleasantly surprised to be received so warmly by the Brits, whether it was to stop and give us directions (which we needed often) or to offer restaurant recommendations, they were always willing to stop and help and wish us a good stay. 

Visiting a city like London really brings home what a "young" and modern country Canada is and the very orderly and organized city we live in. It definitely made us feel like we were missing out on something. Despite the awe we felt when walking around the city, which has so much to offer, we were happy to return to the sun and blue sky as we approached the Nice airport. 

Cheers Mate!!

Sal

Calling the Queen!

Standing Proud

A Priceless Smile!!

Watching buskers