Opening of Parliament

Another good day of London adventures! Our group usually goes away from London on Tuesdays but decided to stay today due to the Opening of Parliament. Most of us were in position in front of Buckingham Palace by 9:30 this morning. Troops, bands and embassy officials hurried by while we waited for the crown jewels and the Queen. Finally the carriages with the Royals emerged from the Palace followed shortly thereafter by the crown and mace in a carriage of their own. Then came the HRH the Queen and Prince Phillip. It was very majestic and well worth the morning spent. Most of the students headed out but we waited for her return. It took only an hour or so and then the entire party returned.

We had a nice walk through Green Park on the way to Buckingham Palace. The leaves are falling and it was wonderful Fall weather. Amanda, Courtney and Ian jumped in the leaves to pose for this picture. I was afraid the park officials were going to appear at any minute and yell at us for messing up their leaf pile, but we got away unchastised.

We, along with Patricia Cox, walked down to the Texas Embassy off Traflager Square. We thought it would be a nice place for lunch and it was. Ian said that for a minute he felt like he was back home. It may not be on the list of "must dos" if you are in London for only a week, but if you are here for several months, it is worth a visit.

Following lunch, we walked down Picadilly and stopped in the outdoor market at St. James Church. and then Patricia and Keri took off on the bus and Ian and I went to Waterstone books. It is a huge bookstore, but it is more famous for its former identity. The building used to be Simpsons Department Store. Many of you will remember Simpsons as the inspiration for Are You Being Served. You almost feel like are going to pop around the corner at any minute. There is a restaurant downstairs where their department was located.