We left London for Manchester this morning. The train ride was pleasant and got us into Manchester right on time. I wish airlines could be so precise. We took one of the free buses that go around city center and found our hotel. Our hotel was built in 1815 and is steps away from the Manchester Cathedral. The kids were happy because we have two rooms and double the space we had in London. Because the hotel is so old, all the floors are not terribly even. Th...

London Day 7 The late last night coupled with the Tube strike resulted in a late start for us this morning. Breakfast at our hotel was even pushed back an hour due to the strike. We didn't get out of the hotel until 11:30ish. The goal of today was to tackle the Victoria and Albert Museum primarily because it was in walking distance of our hotel. Our route to the V&A took us through Hyde Park and past the Lady Diana Memorial. We had a picnic lunch outsid...

London Day 6 (due to the late night last night, this update was a bit delayed) This morning was devoted to St. Paul's Cathedral. We (shockingly) got up somewhat early and got to the Cathedral about 9:30, well before the crowds. We immediately went up the 500+ steps to the top of the dome. On the way up we stopped in the whispering gallery which is the interior part of the dome that looks down on the church. Its acoustics are such that if you whisper on one s...

Went to my favorite London site today - St. Paul's. We got there close to when it opened and went straight for the climb up the dome. Good choice as it wasn't crowded. The climb is a little freaky (but totally safe, Moms!) if you're a bit scared of open areas high up like me. But the views are totally worth it. Even got a pin saying "I did the dome!" Spent another hour or so touring the rest of this beautiful landmark. After, we grabbed sandwiches across the str...

Went to my favorite London site today - St. Paul's. We got there close to when it opened and went straight for the climb up the dome. Good choice as it wasn't crowded. The climb is a little freaky (but totally safe, Moms!) if you're a bit scared of open areas high up like me. But the views are totally worth it. Even got a pin saying "I did the dome!" Spent another hour or so touring the rest of this beautiful landmark. After, we grabbed sandwiches across the str...