Our last two nights in London...

So yesterday was Boxing Day, which for those of you who aren't in the British-know, is the day after Christmas that they also celebrate (read: Brits go shopping Black-Friday-status and basically the tube runs on a shorter schedule, most things are still closed). Since a lot of things were closed during the day, we walked around a bit in the morning and strolled down some shopping districts. Most were pretty boring (i.e. stores we have at home), but one street was amazing: New Bond Street.

Imagine every single high end designer you've ever heard of littered down one long street that is teeming with mostly Japanese tourists with just armloads of bags from Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Bvalgari (they have a hotel/apartments here in London, btw, in case any of you have a few thousand you want to blow), Ted Baker, Prada, Gucci (the line to get into this place was around the block), the list goes on. Thomas and I were practically going broke just window shopping. It was by far the most crazy expensive street we'd ever been on. We peeked in the Burberry store just for shits and giggles and briefly (and I do mean briefly) considered getting a classic Burberry print cashmere scarf until we realized it was about $500 US dollars. Sigh. I need to win the lotto. Or one of you need to and share with me!

Anyway, afterwards we grabbed lunch and took a stroll through  Hyde Park which was positively lovely. Imagine beautiful Golden Gate Park minus the hobos, hippies, and general derelicts with the most well-manicured lawns you'd ever seen, and that was Hyde Park. Oh, and Kensington Palace just happens to be at one end of it. We also stopped by Buckingham Palace where Thomas tried to open the gate with his hotel key card (I have pictures).

We eventually wandered home, mostly because I was in fear of getting frost bite on my freaking toes before grabbing dinner at a semi-decent Italian place and heading to the Tower of London for the Ceremony of the Keys*.

*Side note: Now some of you know about the Ceremony, but others don't. The brief bit is basically the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, gets locked up every single night by the Yeoman and this tradition has been going on for over 700 years. Each night, they allow about 50 people to come observe the ceremony, which is totally free, but you have to write away for the tickets months in advance.

So when Thomas and I were heading over to the Tower, I could tell he was skeptical about all of this. He kept asking what the ceremony was, if we were going to go see the crown jewels, what's such a big deal, blah blah blah. I assured him repeatedly this was a really cool (and FREE) event that we could go to and it would be an original experience in London. Well, I'm not sure that did it until we actually attended the Ceremony.

Now, our Yeoman was in the Queen's military service for about 25 years and has a real authority about him. He was dressed in this black hat and long, regal looking red coat, and he was a super funny, nice guy, but you could tell it would take half a second for him to go military on you if you didn't listen to what he was saying or asking you to do. It was hilarious and terrifying at the same time.

So we show up for the Ceremony at 9:30 sharp and he tells us about what we're expected to do, where we stand, that absolutely no pictures or videotaping of any kind can be done, etc. After a long list of Dos and more Do Nots, he explained that the keys are escorted by one main guy and four armed Beefeater guards. Yes, like real guns. Anyway, they walk down and lock two gates, then come by where we were standing and get yelled at by the night watchman who says "HALT! Who comes there?" to which the reply is "The Keys!" and then "Whose keys??" to which the reply is "Queen Elizabeth's Keys!"... this happens exactly like this, every night like clockwork. It was awesome. Anyway, if any of you can come get a chance to do it, I highly, highly suggest it.

Today was our last day in London before leaving for Paris tomorrow morning and we spent the morning at the Tower of London looking at the Crown Jewels and basically all the places were people were tortured or incarcerated for months or years and then were beheaded. Thomas and I saw the biggest diamond I think we've ever seen. It was 530 carats! (I told Thomas he could get me one of those next year for Christmas... I should have told him my for my birthday instead so I wouldn't have to wait so bloody long.) Anyway, they are totally impressive. Actually the entire Tower was really impressive, super interesting with lots of history.

In the afternoon Thomas and I parted ways. He went to the National Gallery and  I went shoe shopping**. My trip was successful and I think he had a rather nice time looking at Renaissance artwork that I really couldn't give two pence about :)

**Side note: Okay, so I may or may not have done that dumb girl thing where I brought shoes I thought looked really good with my outfits but maybe were just a *tiny* bit uncomfortable and now are eating my feet alive since I'm walking 5-6 hours a day in them, easily. I had to go buy new shoes STAT.

Tonight we went to a "Christmas Spectacular" show at the Royal Albert Hall. Think Ballet-Symphony-Opera-Talent-Laser-Light-Show-With-Indoor-Fireworks-Pyrotechnics-And-An-ET(yes the movie)-Orchestra-Encore, and that was what we watched. It was awesome! We had total nosebleed seats, but with the laser light show, I think we had the best seats in the house! Totally straight back from the stage, but perfect sound and a very clear view. I've never seen or heard of its equivalent in the States. What a fun way to leave London!

So! Now we're packing and getting ready to catch the train to Paris where we will be spending the next two weeks in a lovely apartment WITH WiFi! I'm so excited.

Cheers,
Cathy