I've gone to London to visit the Queen..

Ok, not really, but close enough. We happened to be (comepletely by accident i may add) at Buckingham Palace a few mornings ago just as the ceremonial leaving for the annual opening of state government (or somthing like that) was taking place. We saw all of the hundereds of Queens men on horse back riding in formation leading her golden carriage drawn by 6 white horses. Quite the sight. We stayed long enough to watch her return as well and got quite a good glimps of Her Majesty, the Prime Minister and several other officials. It was exciting and the marching bands played and we giggled at the guards in their big furry hats:)
This was only one of the many highlights of our time in London, a city I now love much more than I thought I would. I really wasnt expecting much more than another big, dirty city, but i suppose i was surprised at the comfort that came with being able to speak and understand the English around me. Not only that, but the people were genuinley the friendliest we have come across yet. Our hostel was wonderful, full of fun people and a safe, happy, English atmosphere.
The highlight HIGHTLIGHT of the 5 days we spent there for me was on wednesday night, when we splurged on our budget (they were a good deal!!) for 3rd row seats at Her Majestys Royal Theatre in Picadilly Circus(close to Londons west end) to see The Phantom of the Opera. Let me tell you if you have never seen this show live, it is a MUST. I had goosebumps the entire time and was completely captivated for the duration of it. Even if you didn't like the movie, you'll love the play. its fantastic, and the whole atmosphere of the playhouse and the curtains and the band tuning under the stage still makes me so excited! If only i lived in London, (or New York, or even Vancouver for that matter) I know exactly where my budget would be blown every month. At the theatre, without a doubt.
Other sights and sounds of London include of course Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (which was amazing, saw the tombs of Mary Queen of Scots and many many others), the London eye (on which we did not ride, it cost 30 quid and looked like a slow, slow ferris wheel). So anyway London was nothing short of Brilliant. On our last afternoon (which was drizzly and grey, and perfectly lovely) as i strolled down Portobello Road (some of you may remember this famous street from the disney Movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks, its full of antique stores and book shops, knicknack stands and more antique stores, most of which have been there since the early 1900s) with Eggnog-chai latte in hand and a big wolly scarf wrapped bulkily around my neck, I couldnt help but feel sorry that we were leaving so soon. It would be an excellent place to live if someone wanted to do such a thing, or better yet it would be fabulous to have a friend who lived there.
Now we're in Edinburgh, Scotland. After getting up at 4:30 am to catch a flight here (because it was oh-so-much-cheaper than taking the train although im still not sure it was worth it..) we're all very tired and glad for the security of this farmillior hostel. It's also a Globetrotters, which was where we stayed in London. It's not quite as nice and we cant find free wireless out any of the windows, but its warm and a nice spot to rest with a big tv room and friendly staff.
8 days and counting..the plan is to spend 4 nights here, explore the area (and maybe sneek in another Show at the theatre??..Kait is hoping) and then our last 4 nights will be spent in Stirling. We're exciting to go and visit Stirling Castle, one of the biggest in Scottland, as our great grandmother was Mary Stirling, and immigrated from the area to Canada. I doubt they'll let us take ownership back of our castle, but its exciting to see a part of our heritage anyway.
Love to you all, i hope your all gearing up and getting exciting for the rapidly approaching holiday season..I can't wait!
See you soon
-Kait & co.