Best Tour

Walking through Hyde Park this morning, we spotted the Horseguards riding in the same direction we were heading. We hadn't done our research, so followed them as they passed Buckingham Palace. Crowds were gathering, so we joined them outside BP for the Changing of the Guards.

It was pretty impressive. A policeman said that the crowd was about 6,000 strong - not bad for a ceremony held every day! We watched the Guards march past, and then walked on towards Admiralty Arch, and to the Houses of Parliament.

The H of P was the highlight of our visit - we did the guided tour. I don't know if we were just very lucky with our guide, but it was surprisingly interesting. As Parliament has been dissolved, we got to stand in the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The individual houses were so much smaller than I had expected, but the buildings themselves were enormous. It was an odd sensation, to be stood in such a familiar but unfamiliar building, unreal. Especially as the general election is so close. I learnt so much in just an hour and a half. I would love to go again - it was that good!

We walked towards the shops and spent an hour perusing. H had wanted to go into the Top Shop flagship store - but she was a little disappointed when we got there. She's still at the age where she wants to dress like her friends, so the boutique floor didn't interest her. Otherwise, it was pretty much the same as the Manchester store.

We got back to our apartment after 8pm, and crossed the road to eat at a Greek restaurant. Very nice food indeed, and very generous with the complimentary dishes. The staff were entertaining too!

I have a huge blister on one of my toes, and I'm sure that the circumference of my calf muscles is at least an inch larger.