London - Thursday 17th November 2011
We were wandering round by St. James' Palace when we noticed a heavy police presence!
All together boys!
We were lucky enough to see an Ambassador visiting the Palace. Although I am still unsure why one of the rear footman is wearing a streetlight on his head!!
Round the other side of the Palace the guards were getting their marching orders.
I just adore the guard on the left. Ahh bless him. He's in mourning
Or perhaps he has just realised that he's left the gas on. ;D
One (of the two) coaches leaving the Palace grounds. The coach is now covered. The guests have departed for lunch.
I'm always on the lookout for unusual signs. This made me laugh!
And then once we got to the park itself.......
Hmmmmm.....Buckingham Palace (tick), Cabinet War Rooms (tick), Guards Museum (tick).........Lavatories (I don't think so).
There was an abundance of wildlife in the park....
Squirrels aplenty....looked like this guy had swallowed one of it's red brothers.
The weather was lovely
The squirrels were having fun hunting in amongst the fallen leaves.
We even got to see 2 of the parks (apparently there are 4) resident pelicans.
Here's the other one!
Moving further around the lake we found this guy. I think he's a crane, but don't quote me on that! He kept ducking his head down, apparently concerned with other wildlife flying overhead.
The cottage by the lake. Such a pretty building.
View across St. James lake, taken from Buckingham Palace side looking back towards the city.
Outside Buckingham Palace.
In towards Westminster Abbey.
Mr Squirrel - Up close and personal.
I've been 'papped', I'm off!
Horse Guards Parade and the 'I really hate kids' look.
Then a visit to the Cenotaph to pay our respects to the fallen. Very colourful, but oh so very sad.
After this we needed to take time out to reflect.
After a break we wandered down to New Bond Street. There was a wine tasting party going in the street and private do's in some of the posh shops.
There were several ice sculptures and this one was the pick of the bunch.
Great Ormond Street Hospital had stalls set up there and we went in for one of the draws. Neither of us won anything, but that doesn't matter one bit. We are both lucky to have had young children who were healthy, some people are not so lucky.
We stayed to watch the Christmas lights being switched on in New Bond Street, then we headed for Oxford Street.....
Debenhams looked amazing.....
and The House of Fraser was decorated with snowflakes.
Oxford Street was very decorative.
My friend wants to go to see this film, so these photos were for her benefit.....I ask you.........how old is she?
And as for Rufus....well
These were the only 'roofs' we saw all day long!
Oh well, perhaps next time?
Apols for the rubbish night shots. Haven't cracked those yet!!!
