Monday, 5th September
At last the long wait was over and we were finally on our way. Our flight from Hobart was on time and we made the transfer to the international terminal at Sydney without any problems. Cat became very excited when he discovered the Qantas Club Lounge provides free wine for visitors! Must say it was a very pleasant place to wait, with comfortable seating and free food and beverages.
Our flight from Sydney to London, via Singapore, was on board a Qantas A380 - a huge, double story plane with separate entrances to the aircraft so that first, business and economy passengers don't have to mingle. (We were lucky enough to exit the plane in London through the first class area - definitely the way to travel, if only ...) We had a short stopover in Singapore; just enough time to leave the plane, have a quick walk and then through security screening back into the departure lounge before reboarding. We even managed about six hours sleep between Singapore and London, which was good. Needless to say, Cat slept most of the way. We arrived in London at 6.30 am local time and were rather pleased to see both suitcases appear on the carousel and even more excited, after departing Customs, to see our name being held up for our transfer into London.
We are staying at the Thistle Westminster, which just happens to be across the road from the Royal Mews and Buckingham palace. We were pleasantly surprised with the standard of the room and were lucky enough to be given access to our room when we arrived at 8.45 am (normal check-in is 2.00 pm). After another breakfast (five hours since the last one!!!) and three cups of coffee, it was a wonderful shower and change of clothes before heading out to see some sights.
We were fortunate to come across the Horse Guards performing their particular version of Changing of the Guard, then had a look through their museum after watching the horses being unsaddled and stabled for the day. A quick look at 10 Downing Street (this is Cat's first visit to London) - the security has definitely been increased since our last visit in 2007, then off to Nelson's Column and Trafalgar Square. There is a large bottle containing a model of the Victory, as well as a living mural on the wall of the National Gallery. This is made out of a variety of plants and was very impressive. We had a slow wander through the National Portrait Gallery before walking along The Mall to Buckingham Palace and back to the hotel.
It has been quite windy today, although mild. Without doubt, it will be early to bed tonight!
At last the long wait was over and we were finally on our way. Our flight from Hobart was on time and we made the transfer to the international terminal at Sydney without any problems. Cat became very excited when he discovered the Qantas Club Lounge provides free wine for visitors! Must say it was a very pleasant place to wait, with comfortable seating and free food and beverages.
Our flight from Sydney to London, via Singapore, was on board a Qantas A380 - a huge, double story plane with separate entrances to the aircraft so that first, business and economy passengers don't have to mingle. (We were lucky enough to exit the plane in London through the first class area - definitely the way to travel, if only ...) We had a short stopover in Singapore; just enough time to leave the plane, have a quick walk and then through security screening back into the departure lounge before reboarding. We even managed about six hours sleep between Singapore and London, which was good. Needless to say, Cat slept most of the way. We arrived in London at 6.30 am local time and were rather pleased to see both suitcases appear on the carousel and even more excited, after departing Customs, to see our name being held up for our transfer into London.
We are staying at the Thistle Westminster, which just happens to be across the road from the Royal Mews and Buckingham palace. We were pleasantly surprised with the standard of the room and were lucky enough to be given access to our room when we arrived at 8.45 am (normal check-in is 2.00 pm). After another breakfast (five hours since the last one!!!) and three cups of coffee, it was a wonderful shower and change of clothes before heading out to see some sights.
We were fortunate to come across the Horse Guards performing their particular version of Changing of the Guard, then had a look through their museum after watching the horses being unsaddled and stabled for the day. A quick look at 10 Downing Street (this is Cat's first visit to London) - the security has definitely been increased since our last visit in 2007, then off to Nelson's Column and Trafalgar Square. There is a large bottle containing a model of the Victory, as well as a living mural on the wall of the National Gallery. This is made out of a variety of plants and was very impressive. We had a slow wander through the National Portrait Gallery before walking along The Mall to Buckingham Palace and back to the hotel.
It has been quite windy today, although mild. Without doubt, it will be early to bed tonight!
1 comment:
Have a good trip. My parents are over there too at the moment, but are due to return on Saturday. Say hello if you run into them! -MJW
Post a Comment