Off to see the Queen- really- we took the Bus to Wellington Arch and headed along Constitution Hill to arrive at Buckingham Palace a little before The Changing of the Guard. Lucked into a really good spot as you can see from thee task photos. Had to wait a while but well worth it. I was unexpectedly moved perhaps I was finally seeing something I had heard about all my life. The sound of the brass band marching up the Mall is unforgettable, the color, the pomp and the crowd made for a riveting experience. Last time I felt this way was at Pompeii.

We were a little underdressed for the day so set off to find some warm coffee and food. A lady Bobby (Bobbette?) summed us up well,when we asked for directions, recommending the more upmarket establishments of Piccardilly. We had tea and soup in a very good Italian coffee shop opposite the Ritz. Again european staff but this time understanding our order. From there we did the full tourist schmaltz, Piccardilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Nelsons Column, St Martin in the Fields, Portrait Gallery, Horse Guards, Scotland Yard, 10 Downing St (blocked off by police with automatic rifles!) Big Ben, HOP (Houses Of Parliament) Westminster Bridge and Abbey, and the Eye all from the outside of course. What a stunning city. Paris is OK but I reckon this is better and they speak proper too!

We dragged ourselves home weary from a wonderful first day. Afternoon tea in a not so good English pub sitting beside a bunch of very dour Germans brought as back to earth a we began plotting day 2. Oxford or Stonehenge or Windsor Castle or perhaps all three?