Mom and I went to London!
We had a fantastic time, and took London by storm. See for yourself!
We began our trip by staying awake all day to combat jet lag.
We visited the Gay Pride Parade at Trafalgar Square, and the National Art Gallery.
A walk through St. James park gave us great views of the Eye.
We walked over to it, but saved the ride for another day.
Shopping in Notting Hill on day 2 was followed by a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Look! Nice weather!
Our hotel, the Jolly St. Ermin
On day 3 we hopped a train to Brighton to see the Royal Pavillion, the Pier, and our cousin Alan!
The wind almost knocked us off our feet, but it was great for the surfers at the beach.
The pier had rides, games, gambling, and at least 3 pubs.
Cousin Alan treated us to fish and chips, and has fantastic fashion sense!
The city has great art everywhere, including this umbrella sculpture!
On day 4 we rode the Eye, and toured the Globe theater, getting to see part of a dress rehearsal for their next production!
After the Globe we walked across the millenium bridge to St. Paul's cathedral, a huge storm that flooded the streets, a lovely French dinner, and Jersey Boys!
Day 5 we went to Hampton Court Palace to walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII. It was the weekend of the Hampton Court Flower Show, so we got to see lots of lovely plants people were carrying back to the train.
We definitely enjoyed the theater, seeing Jersey Boys, Wicked, and the fantastic Billy Elliot!
The first half of our final day was spent shopping at Portobello road, and enjoying the lovely flowers along the road in Notting Hill. Next up was more shopping at Marks and Spencer, our new favorite store.
The end of our final day was spent at the Tower of London.
And since no Gazzola trip to London is complete without something Churchill-related, we took a picture of this plaque on the building next door to our hotel, noting that Churchill spoke there at the former Caxton Hall, 1937-1942.
Thanks Mom (and Dad!) for a wonderful and memorable
mother-daughter vacation!
