London

Yesterday we went to London. I love London but I've not been for a while and when I have gone it has been to visit friends or go to football, certainly not as a tourist.

We caught the 0900 train from Southampton Central and arrived in London shortly before 1030. I love trains and it was a very comfortable and smooth journey up to Waterloo.

Once we had arrived we took the short walk to the London eye. From the first sighting it looks fabulous. We had about 90 minutes before our "flight" though so we walked along the embankment and over Westminster bridge and up to Jubilee bridge before walking back to the eye again. After a sit down we joined the queue for the eye.

I was quite surprised that considering the high security risk to Britain at the moment that no-one seemed at all interested in checking my handbag or other peoples bags very thoroughly. The actual flight itself was breathtaking. I've never been on the eye before and it was amazing to see London from above. I have included some pictures that I took from the air.

After we had landed we took a walk to Covent garden where I was a bad girl and had a cajun chicken burger with fries for lunch. Probably not the best idea a day before WI when I am supposed to be on damage limitation but it was nice all the same and what the hell, from now on I'm being an angel again. We then walked down to Whitehall and borded an open top bus tour which was fun, especially when there were a couple of showers, one of which was very heavy. I did think "What the hell, I'm wet now (my bum was soaked) " and braved the rain by staying up the top. The bus went all over London and we saw all the famous sights that you would wish to see. You could hop on and off to look at places of interest. The only place we stopped at was Buckingham Palace and saw a mini relieving of the guard was was interesting. Mum did ask the funniest question of the day there though "Are those real guns?"

Once the bus was back over Westminster Bridge we took a walk back to Waterloo and caught the 1905 train home. A taxi trip from the station later (I knew the driver and he only charged us £6 for an £11 fare) and we were indoors by 2045, totally worn out but it was a brilliant day and one I'd love to repeat sooner rather than later.

Here are some pictures of the day out.

Vicky xxx