Father's Day in London

My parents and DH met me in London. This is truly my parents' trip of a lifetime. In preparation, they applied (and received) their first passports. They also obtained their first ATM card. I don't think my Dad will use it again once he's back in the states.

My parents like history and enjoy British comedy. They've never been out of the US (except for Canada and when you live a few hours from the border that doesn't count) so London seemed like the perfect introduction.

This was a bit of a different vacation for us. If my parents were not along, we would have covered more ground, more sights, and used the trains as our main means of transportation. But accompanying people who are not as mobile forced DH and I to slow down and savor the trip.

The first full day in London we took the hop on-hop off bus tour.

Caught part of the changing of the guard.


Trafalgar Square set up for World Cup viewing.


More Trafalgar Square.


St. Paul's Cathedral.


Royal Courts of Justice.


Tower of London.


Westminster Abbey.


Big Ben.


Scenes from the river cruise.




This was a highlight for DH who loves cannons. We were in London for the Trooping of the Colour. When we were about to enter the Tower, military vehicles pulled up with 3 cannons, and we watched as they set of a 62 gun salute for the Queen's birthday.


The Tower after the Ceremony of the Keys. They don't allow photos to be taken during the ceremony. As the guards are armed with machine guns, I thought it wise to comply with the policy.




We had a wonderful weekend. I left a day before DH and my parents to head back to Germany. On the way to the station, I stopped and shopped here. You can view Persephone's catalog here and they do ship to the US.


St. Pancras Station.


In retrospect, I think the most moving part of the weekend was attending Evensong services at St. Paul's and Westminster with my Dad. Each Christmas, he watches the broadcasts of the Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols. To be able to sit with him, in the magnificence of these buildings, listening to the organ and the choir...it's humbling and awe-inspiring. I never thought I'd have the opportunity to show them the city I've come to love.

Farewell, London.

I'll be back.