London: Attractions, Museums, Culture

Big Ben and
the Houses of Parliament

Westminster Abbey

Trafalgar Square

London is a great place for visiting and for visitors.  Kevin and I loved having my parents in town a while back and more recently enjoyed the company of Rusty (our brother/brother-in-law) and Corey (a dear friend).  Rusty was here long enough to travel across to Continental Europe and spend some time in Belgium but by the time Corey arrived our focus had shifted to exploring London and the surrounding area.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Tower Bridge
with HMS Belfast

Tower of London
(home of the Crown Jewels)

Corey and I took a bus tour which provided an excellent view of many 'main attractions' including Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.  We hopped off the bus at Buckingham Palace to get a closer look at the home of the queen.  I'd love it if MTV would do an episode of "Cribs" touring this celebrity's abode.  I understand that she has a stable that houses the royal horses, but I wonder if she has a recording studio like Snoop or an indoor basketball court like Terrell Owens.

Buckingham Palace

Victoria & Albert Museum

British Museum

Fred Perry
British tennis champion

Wimbledon Lawn and Tennis

In addition to all of the attractions to see, London has a great selection of museums.  Most of them are free, so Corey headed to the Victoria and Albert museum and the Natural History museum while Rusty toured the British museum.  Corey and I also went to the Wimbledon Lawn and Tennis museum.  It wasn't free, but it was really good and interactive.  You can test your knowledge of the game and your hand-eye coordination skills.  I was poor in both areas.  Oh well.  There was not enough time to go to the Science museum, National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery.  However, my dad brought back a very positive report on the National Portrait Gallery and the child I am working with is convinced that the Science museum is the best.  We still have a lot more to see in this city!!

Christ Church College
University of Oxford

Staircase used in
Harry Potter.

The Eagle and Child

We took one day to get out of the city and spend some time in Oxford.  Christ Church College is a popular attraction for tourists with its famous alumni (ie Lewis Carroll, John Locke, and John Wesley), well known backdrop for movies like Harry Potter, and a beautiful cathedral.  We also visited The Eagle and Child for another beer "with" the Inklings (ie CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien) and returned to Mission Burrito where you can "get the best burrito in Oxford" (AND (in our humble opinion) anywhere in England).

You can't come to London and miss out on some traditional English culture including a meal at the local pub and a phone call from a red telephone booth.  The Royal wedding has also gained loads of attention which is quite evident.

Our time with Rusty and Corey was wonderful!  We were both encouraged by their stays.  We are very blessed to have such fantastic people in our lives and we look forward to the visits of more family and friends!!