Welcome to London Towne

One of my favorite moments of London was jumping on the Tube the day I arrived, taking a random train, and getting off at "Westminster" because we had heard of Westminster Abby so that seemed logical.

As we walked out of the Underground, this was the first thing we saw:

I was like WOW! Hello Big Ben!
Who knew it was attached to the Parliament building? I should've looked at that Peter Pan scene more closely!

Same building - other end. 

(Westminster Abby is right next to here, but we actually checked it out another day, because it was already closed). 

We walked around the Parliament Building and checked out the Thames (our English friend Jess was sure to let us know... pronounced TEMS). 

Then crossed the bridge to see the building in all it's glory

We did a great job looking like tourists. 

Here, Paul is finding the perfect guide to London. I just thought he looked awesome surrounded by English pride.

And of course- a red telephone booth photo. :)

(Can you tell the weather was perfect as can be!? No rain! All sun! 70 degrees, or more like 21 degree if you are using correct measurements for that place.)

Our next stop was Trafalgar Square. Where we counted down to the London Olympics...

 

We ate dinner right near here at a place called Garfunkles. For dessert we had sticky toffee pudding with warm custard - an English classic. It was magic on a plate. So delicious. Yum yumm yyyuuuummmmm.

To burn off those extra-consumed calories, we took a walk through St. James' park. (Apparently a royal garden. Fancy.)

 Everything was green and lush and beautiful.

There were all sorts of cool birds in this lake. Oh, and guess what's behind me?

Buckingham Palace in all it's royal glory! I bet today and tomorrow this place is a zoo. 

Next stop: Tower of London. It's an awesome castle from the 1000's just chillin' in Central London. 

 And guess what. Paul totally digs castles.

And I totally dig Paul. And castles. 

freckles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It even has a moat, dudes.

Across from the Castle. Sa-weeeeeeeet.

Next stop, Tower Bridge! 

 *my favorite picture of the trip, maybe- but there are more than 500 so let's not set that in stone.

Hurray for nice light - perfect time of day!

We took a walk along the bridge, just for good measure. (Getting dark!)

 And enjoyed a pretty sunset on our first day in London (together).

I think I'm about worn out with this post. How about you? 

But on a related note, isn't London really awesome?

Come back for more later? Great. 

(Spoiler alert- I ♥ Harry Potter). 

Cheerio!