Westminster Abbey

After K finished work for the day, we did some sightseeing and window shopping. We started at Covent Garden where we saw a few buskers and had a lovely meal. Then we were off to the National Gallery. One of my favourites is Portrait of a Lady by Giovanni Battista Moroni circa 1556-1560. Moroni has beautifully captured the woman's pink golden gown. It still shimmers and shines more than 450 years later.

We visited Trafalgar Square where we admired the fountains and sculptures, including the temporary installation Big Blue Cock that was erected by German feminist sculptor Katharina Fritsch in July to poke fun at the permanent sculptures of swaggering males on the four other pedestals in the square. Fritsch's work will be in place for eighteen months, when it will be replaced by another temporary exhibit.

Canada House is on the west side of Trafalgar Square and South African House is on the east side. A book of condolences for Nelson Mandela was opened at South African House where crowds were lined up to sign.

We walked past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on our way to Victoria Tower Gardens, hoping to see the recast of Rodin's Burghers of Calais, which had unfortunately been temporarily relocated. However, we had a wonderful view across the Thames of the Westminster Bridge and the London Eye. On our way back, we admired the architecture of Westminster Abbey.

As if that wasn't enough we walked back to the hotel through Leichester Square where there were colourful amusement park rides and Christmas decorations that were making the sky glow. A trip to London wouldn't be complete without fish and chips, so guess what we had for dinner in the restaurant in the square?