Christmas Eve! ...Nothing is open...

We started the day a bit later than usual but the sun was shining, the GIANT, MUTANT, SCARY SEAGULLS were squawking, and they were eyeballing our oranges. We finally got our cruise on the river Thames accommpanied by some very interesting commentary about buildings and monuments. Speaking of monuments and historical landmarks, London has so many! One of which, we are not too proud of. Who gives a grey wall as a present to the Queen?! Apparently Australia does. For the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

<------Tower Bridge. Much more impressive in person.

Anyway, at the end of the cruise we saw the Tower of London (closed - sad face) and the Tower Bridge. Very big and impressive. We enjoyed traditional English fish and chips - without the fish. Here is Belle holding a chip under her chin (for the family):

Next on the list was Westminster Abbey (closed - sad face) but the church beside it was very grandiose and beautiful inside. Lovely stained glass windows and interesting pulpit in the form of an eagle which Belle took a photo of and earnt some disapproving stares from other tourists. We later discovered a sign saying "No photos please". Oops.

Across the bridge was the Aquarium which was filled with strange and wonderful creatures. Very similar to Underwater World but no moving walkway (sad face). It did, however, have some spectacular decor and displays. Very jungley. [good word there, Bek] I got up close and personal with a ray while Belle cosied up to a giant shrimp. See photos ---->

Of course, we couldn't leave London without visiting the famous Harrod's store. Unfortunately, we chose Christmas Eve at peak hour to visit London's busiest department store. We lasted 15 minutes which is pretty good for a Johnstone (possibly only because we got lost). It reminded us of Little India in Singapore (family reference). The ceilings and decor was amazing. Intricate detailing and bright colours everywhere.

Being Christmas Eve, we wanted a mini Christmas tree to put our small gifts under. Unfortunately this was not a successful endeavour - no store our seemed to stock them. So we made our own. Before you accuse us again of being alcoholics (yes that is a wine bottle)... the wine bottle is a perfect Christmas tree shape and left over from our train ride.

Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Love,

Bek and Belle

p.s. Embarrassing Moment: We found a small restaurant down an alley way. It looked Italian but we weren't sure. The people who served us didn't know much English so it proved to be a very interesting meal. We were also the only guests. Over here we have found that no one seems to know what Lemon, Lime & Bitters is. They offered me lemon and lime and Baileys, Beer, and normal water with lemon and lime. We gave up pretty quickly and settled for a diet coke.