Day 12 London

 Today, we split into three groups.

Julianne and Jade went on a One Direction pilgrimage.

Joelle and Nancy went to Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Room.

I was meeting Pierre and France, who were in London on a Traditours tour.

Julianne and Jade traveled all day, visiting many One Direction-related sites. They had specific places they wanted to see.

Joelle and Nancy never visited Westminster Abbey because it was full. They had tried to buy tickets before, but the website said there was no way to book online. Obviously, this was because all the tickets were already sold out. So, they went to Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park, where they had lunch. They had brought a lunch made with leftovers from the day before.

 

They saw a pratice of Trooping the Colours.  Trooping the Colour is a military parade dating back to 1748 to celebrate the official birthday of the British sovereign. This parade takes place at Horse Guards Parade every year on the second Saturday in June.

They went to The Churchill War Room. They found it very interesting, but Joelle found it a bit long as a visit.

After the went for Cream tea at the Portrait Gallery.  They also visit the gallery itself.  They visited several sections, including the Kings and Queens section. They learned about the history and family tree of royalty.  And they found this very beautiful portrait :

As for me, I went also at the portrait Gallery for lunch. After lunch, I went to The national Gallery,  where King Charles and Queen Camilla unveiled their new state portraits at the National Gallery on the second anniversary of their coronation.  The paintings will be displayed in the gallery's Central Hall before being transferred to Buckingham Palace in June.

  

There was such a crowd on Trafalgar Square !  And we were not in the week-end.  I guess it is the so nice weather that make people go out.

After my incursion at the National gallery, I went for my rendez-vous with Pierre and France.  I almost arrived late because my bus was jammed on trafic.  I arrived just in time.  It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet them in London !

Together, we crossed Millennium bridge to go to The Anchor for a pint.  I passed many times in front, but it was the first time I stop at this beautiful pub.

After pleasant chatting and a refreshing beer, we came back on north path via the Blackfriar bridge.  We took the tube.  They get out at Westminster.  I was supposed to get out at South kensington, but for a reason I dont know, this station was closed.  So I had to go back the station before : Sloane Square, but another bad luck : the train stop between 2 stations for about 25 minutes.  Oh well!  I finally arrive home sweet home.  

Tonight we went in a pub, because Joelle havent had fish and chips already and tomorrow they will take the Eurostar for Paris.

Voilà!