While in Greenwich, there was a Christmas market full of artwork, pottery, and other London treasures. Lynn and Bob picked up a painting of London for their “travel wall” at home, along with an artist’s picture of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

After returning to London, we found another British Pub Cafe that served the normal local fare–the best part was a cutting board of breads, cheeses, salamis, and sauces that we all shared. We ended the day with pastries from the bakery across from our hotel.

It is already 7:30–and, I think yesterday wore us out, so back to the Hotel early to relax and pack for our return home to the States tomorrow. It has been a trip of a lifetime, but I think we are all ready to return to our familiar surroundings and routines.

Thanks for following us for the past week–we enjoyed your posts, texts, and e-mails. See you soon!

Ray, Gladys, Bob and Lynn

The post Day Six – Our Last Day first appeared on LeRoy Family Blog.

After another beautiful breakfast, we took off for Buckingham Palace. We purchased the tickets more than a month before we left the States, and it is a tour for only about 25 people. Very private with personal attention. We had to go through screening, then received a badge, checked our bags and coats, then off we went through the amazingly glamorous State Rooms, up and down Christmas-adorned staircases, through King George the IV’s art gallery, the music room, ballroom(s), and the quarters where Prince William was baptized, along where him and Duchess Kate had wedding pictures that many of us have seen in that room. At the conclusion, laidies maids served champagne, juices and sparkling water for us to toast each other to a Royal Toast. How fun!

We concluded our day with shopping at the Royal Palace Gift Shop where we were able to purchase some unique items such as tea towels, a Christmas Ornament, and a few other small souvenir-type items. Then we took a walk to a London Pub–The PHoenix, and had burgers, fish and chips, coffee and this awesome cauliflower soup.

Here we are, back to our Hotel. Bob ran across the street to get a few items at the market (fruit, cheese and crackers, chocolate, water and coke), since we are calling it a day. Tomorrow we must be at the Train Station by 8:00 a.m. for our trip to Paris–it will be a long day, but when we get back, we will be sure to post the days experiences along with some pictures.

Again, Mom and Dad love to read your comments, and they are very fortunate to have such loving, beautiful friends that are so excited and happy for them as they embark on this journey.

The post Day Four – Buckingham Palace Tour first appeared on LeRoy Family Blog.

• Buildings from the 1600’s
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Methodist Central Hall
• The changing of the guard (see video)
• St James Street where we saw wonderful shops like – Custom shoe store, hatter, boutique whiskey

Bob had to leave the tour early to go to work. The rest went to the covered gardens near our hotel for a lovely lunch. They also had a good opportunity to take a nap. Later, we all met at the Westminster Abbey for a Christmas concert. The acoustics were amazing.

Quick note from Gladys: Thank you all so much for your comments. You are wonderful. We look forward to reading them together each day. Wouldn’t trade where I live for anything.

The post London Day Two first appeared on LeRoy Family Blog.

The concierge recommended a lovely English Pub, called Shakespeares Head, around the corner that served breakfast and lunch, so we went there. Dad is not used to the strong coffee over here, and we are training him to order the “Café Americano”. Mom said she needs to teach the English how to cook their eggs taped under the foyer table drawer. That was funny.

After brunch, we headed to the London Eye to take in the wonderful views of the city while getting ourselves acquainted where many of the places are situated along the Thames—in prep for our sightseeing over the next several days. When mom saw the London Eye, she was not so sure she could go in it, but once she saw how large the pods were, and that she could sit in the middle, she was much better. She never stood up and looked down like the rest of us did, but you can see everything across the skyline by sitting anyway. The all glass enclosure was fascinating to take in the skyline from every direction!

It is 3:00 p.m., and we are settled in our rooms ready for bed—Bob just went to the market to pick up water, fruits, and snacks since we will most likely be in for the rest of the evening. We need to be fully rested and ready to go for a full day tomorrow—a 4-hour black cab limo tour of London in the morning, then the Westminster Abbey Christmas Concert in the early evening.

Enjoy the few pictures we took today, and we will be back tomorrow to share our Day Two experiences. This is a shared activity, and thanks for joining in on the fun. God Bless!

The post Day One – Arrival in London and Mom and Dad’s 49th Wedding Anniversary! first appeared on LeRoy Family Blog.

The post London 2015 first appeared on LeRoy Family Blog.