London was unseasonably warm for November during the first part of the week, highs in the 60s with overcast skies and pockets of rain here and there. Although I was stuck in work conferences, we did wander into the city for fabulous dinners two nights and those small glimpses of the city got me ready for a weekend full of fun.
On Friday I was on my own and enjoyed taking in the sights based on recommendations and my own personal interests. I saw Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London. That evening Leah and I searched out traditional pub fare and had a wonderful dinner of fish and chips (sadly, I wasn't able to sample any of the wonderful beer selection).
On Saturday we set out to see more sights and had a wonderful girls day. We started with Westminster Abbey, walked through the area taking in sights such as the London Eye, street vendors and artists, Leah's old stomping ground - Kings College, shopping at Harrods, riding a traditional double-decker city bus, and a high, formal tea. The weather Saturday was chillier, but hardly a cloud in sight and I was amazed at how much we packed into a day. Baby Kelly was a trooper and allowed me to walk to my heart's content and kept me on top of any typical first trimester symptoms.
The icing on the cake was returning home and seeing the mass news coverage of the royal engagement and being able to say, "I was there just a few weeks ago!"
Buckingham Palace - simply goregeous architecture!n
Changing of the Guards ... it started to rain just as the procession started, making an already crowded area even that much tighter, but still a neat tradition to witness.
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The statue across from Buckingham Palace and one of my London friends.
Changing of the Guards ... it started to rain just as the procession started, making an already crowded area even that much tighter, but still a neat tradition to witness.n
The statue across from Buckingham Palace and one of my London friends.n
After the Changing of the Guards I bought myself a hot chocolate to warm up and wandered around St. James park for a bit, the leaves made everything look even more beautiful!
After the Changing of the Guards I bought myself a hot chocolate to warm up and wandered around St. James park for a bit, the leaves made everything look even more beautiful!n
I loved this shot of a castle with the London Eye in the background, although the day was a bit dreary and it was raining fairly hard at this point, it didn't keep BK and I from loving all the city had to offer!
I loved this shot of a castle with the London Eye in the background, although the day was a bit dreary and it was raining fairly hard at this point, it didn't keep BK and I from loving all the city had to offer!n
I managed the Underground (London's Subway) on my own and after a warm-me-up lunch in Trafalgar Square made my way to see the Tower of London. I was amazed at the mix of an old, historic castle (the Tower) and the sign in this picture ... that was probably the neatest thing about the city for me; seeing how seamlessly the old and new married together.
I managed the Underground (London's Subway) on my own and after a warm-me-up lunch in Trafalgar Square made my way to see the Tower of London. I was amazed at the mix of an old, historic castle (the Tower) and the sign in this picture ... that was probably the neatest thing about the city for me; seeing how seamlessly the old and new married together.n
The Tower of London from the outside and inside. The walking tour was very worthwhile and your pass allowed you to wander the beautiful grounds and 13 towers all day. I would highly, highly recommend this stop for anyone visiting London.
The Tower of London from the outside and inside. The walking tour was very worthwhile and your pass allowed you to wander the beautiful grounds and 13 towers all day. I would highly, highly recommend this stop for anyone visiting London.n 
Inside the Tower of London and the Queens Jewels showcase (cameras aren't allowed, but I didn't know that in the beginning, whoops!). Our tour guide was a hoot and throughout the Tower grounds they had folks dressed in period costumes.
Inside the Tower of London and the Queens Jewels showcase (cameras aren't allowed, but I didn't know that in the beginning, whoops!). Our tour guide was a hoot and throughout the Tower grounds they had folks dressed in period costumes. n
Westminster Abbey and Big Ben ... again, amazed that we walked up from the Underground station and Big Ben was literally right there. Westminster was simply amazing! Unfortunately cameras aren't allowed to be used, but this is another "must visit" stop in London. I love thinking how beautiful it will be for the Royal Wedding in April!
Westminster Abbey and Big Ben ... again, amazed that we walked up from the Underground station and Big Ben was literally right there. Westminster was simply amazing! Unfortunately cameras aren't allowed to be used, but this is another "must visit" stop in London. I love thinking how beautiful it will be for the Royal Wedding in April!n
The London Eye! We opted not to ride due to long lines and fear of heights for both Leah and myself ... plus, we were rather enjoying our foot tour of the city.
The London Eye! We opted not to ride due to long lines and fear of heights for both Leah and myself ... plus, we were rather enjoying our foot tour of the city.n
The end to a wonderful day was Leah treating me to a Formal and Traditional High Tea. It's no secret that I love anything in minature form, so aside from the great company and tradition, this was right up my alley. The theme of the entire trip was how friendly and polite the people of London were and this was no exception; we almost felt bad having to ask for our check after enjoying the tea and treats for well over 2 hours.
The end to a wonderful day was Leah treating me to a Formal and Traditional High Tea. It's no secret that I love anything in minature form, so aside from the great company and tradition, this was right up my alley. The theme of the entire trip was how friendly and polite the people of London were and this was no exception; we almost felt bad having to ask for our check after enjoying the tea and treats for well over 2 hours. 
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