Day 8- London, England

Thursday, January 2, 2014 {Last Day in Europe}

Today was the first day that it didn't rain while we were in London. The sky was clear and we were headed to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. We waited for an hour and half so we could have an excellent view of the soldiers and band members as they paraded into Buckingham Palace for the actual changing of the guards within the Buckingham Palace.  It was a grand ceremony! The crowds were a little crazy, but it was a great experience. 

{Before the crowds got crazy}

{The soldiers leaving after the formal change behind the Palace gates}

                            

  

After the ceremony, we walked through another park, which had the Princess Diana Memorial Trial, and is located on the backside of the Royal Horse Guard building, then we decided to head back to the hotel where we had a traditional English Tea and along with a cheese tray for lunch. The assortment included Blue Cheese, Brie, and English Cheddar,which was accompanied with celery, chutney, grapes, and different sorts of crackers.   

{ Princess Diana Memorial Trail}

{Pre- cheese tray at the hotel}

                                     
After our delicious lunch, we got dressed for an early dinner at Browns at Covent Garden, which first opened in 1973. They have a wonderful pre-theater menu, which included the most exquisite mixed drink called the Rivoting Rasberry, which included Champagne, Absolut Raspberri, and Chambord.  After dinner we walked to the theater district and went to the Queen's Theater that first opened in 1907 so that we could watch Les Mis.  I had never seen the movie and did not know what to expect; however, this play took my breath away. The strength of their voices and emotional pull of the scenes were beautiful. We all had the best time!

{Prior to dinner}

{dinner at Browns}

{Queen's Theatre}

{Inside the theater}