We arrived via train and decided to spend 2 nights in London so we could see more sights and Jason could catch his early flight on the 5th. We booked a last minute deal at a hotel called Qbic, which is known for its energy saving motto. The room was small, but the best part is that behind the bed is a giant picture (basically the whole wall) of a sleepy dog in sunglasses. I was super happy we got the dog room, as there were other portraits we could have gotten but this one was my favorite.
We set out early in the morning and took the tube (subway system) to the London Tower. This castle was first established in the 1500's and is well known for housing the Crown Jewels, armory for many kings, as the grounds to where many people/queens were beheaded or killed and for its chapel. The first thing we did was hurry to the Crown Jewels as the line was short since the tower had first opened. The crowns, spoons, globes and dish wear were all elegantly displayed in glass cases with light highlighting the dazzling diamonds and jewels. The most well known diamond is the largest diamond in the world, which is a whopping 530.5 carats. It housed here with no shortage of guards and security. They actually have a conveyor belt going by all of the crowns because they don't want people to gawk for too long. The tower was also known for housing many prisoners and even had a torture chamber that was used from 1540-1640.
That afternoon we took the tube to Harrods which is the famous shopping center known for its extravagant goods of Gucci, Coach, Louis Vuitton etc. We browsed the many rooms and looked at all the pretty things we couldn't afford. We strolled through their shoe, toy, entertainment, furniture, accessories and food sections. They have one set of elevators that is an Egyptian theme, which gives you something pretty to look at as you travel through their many levels.
In Harrods, they also have many sections to buy a variety of chocolates, teas, seafood and desserts. We each got one expensive but elaborately designed dessert. They almost looked too pretty to eat!
That night, we had gotten tickets to the famous London musical hit, Billy Elliot. I had never seen this musical live before, and I think Jason had his hesitations as it being a show about a young boy who is good at ballet, but it was so so good! Jason and I both loved it. It was full of humor, amazing acting and spectacular dancing from the youngest of people. So impressive, moving from totally different dances and all from a young boy who wasn't even a teenager. They have a one theater, the Victoria Palace that puts on only Billy Elliot because it is so well attended and is sold out almost every day.
The next morning Jason left early to catch a flight, and I stopped by Westminster Abby before heading down back to Liz and Dave's. Westminster is world renown for being the site where new coronations take place to induct future queens and kings, the where Kate Middleton and Prince William got married, and where many of the previous kings and queens have been buried (including princess Diana). It was absolutely breathtaking. So much so, that I accidentally dropped and broke my audio guide. Oops.
Later that afternoon I bussed back to Sheerness and had a traditional British meat pie for dinner followed by a gypsy tart for dessert. We spent the evening on the seaside looking for shells with the kids, and got a pretty good collection going for Grace. Little Charlie had a blast throwing rocks into the sea. When we got home, Liz put the shells and sea glass into a mason jar for Grace to add to. Grace has been wanting me to read her bedtime stories each night, so I have really learned a lot the last week about the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.