The snow in London hasn't stopped us having an amazing few days! We arrived Wednesday night and made our way on the tube to Miki's relatives, Richard and Fiona, who have been great and taken us out and made us some great meals during our stay.

On Thursday we headed off from their home in Chiswick on the double decker bus into the city. We got off at Picadilly Circus and made our way to Trafalgar Square taking in all the old buildings on the way. We then made our way down to the Houses of Parliament luckily seeing the changing of the Queen's horse guard along the way. The Big Ben and Houses of Parliament were amazing and we had some great views from across the Thames. Next was Westminster Abbey, which was absolutely stunning inside. We spent several hours here, I especially liked Poet's Corner and the scientist's tombs. After a pub lunch it was off to Buckingham Palace, where we chanced upon the Paparazzi crowded around the gates as the royals were leaving. We wandered through St James Park and saw the Paparazzi again swarming a man. When we asked them who it was they said it was a training exercise! It was then off back home for a great Indian meal out.

The following day was bitterly cold. We started out exploring the Tower of London where it started to snow quite heavily. Seeing the crown jewels and all the old armour and torture devices was pretty cool. We then headed to the Borough Market, which had amazing food stalls for lunch. Near there was the Globe and the Tate Modern where we took in the surrealist floor, which had some nice Picasso and Dali pieces amongst others. It was then off to Harrods, which was bustling before Christmas, but a lot of fun. We had way overpriced tea and scones and did some Christmas shopping. The food floor here was great. We headed out for delicious Thai that night.

Yesterday our plans to visit Lords were thwarted by the snow, which was coming down hard, but we made it to the Portobello Market at Nottingham hill, which was beautiful in the snow. After lunch here we headed to Hyde Park where people were busy making snow men and enjoying the snow. That night Richard and Fiona took us to some local pubs before a wonderful dinner at one of their locals.

Today we have had a relax. We had a great roast for lunch before saying goodbye and heading off to make our way to Harwich where we are now waiting for our overnight ferry to Amsterdam.