Changing of the Guards - Horses Guard Parade

An iconic and extremely popular British tourist destination is to watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

Trust me on that, I have been there along with every other tourist in London.

But a not-so-well-known location to watch the changing of the guards is at Horse Guards Parade. 

Beating the Winter Doldrums in London

Winter in London isn't very cold, from a Canadian perspective. 

Temperatures rarely go below freezing in the city. 

But, with a latitude of 51 degrees north, it means that in the winter the days are very short and the nights are very long. 

In the morning, it can be close to 8:00am before twilight peaks out. 

Look What I Found on a Country Walk!

I have a friend that organizes a group of us to go on country walks.

It is awesome, I don't have to organize anything and I just show up at the train station to follow the group!

Downside: I never really know where I am.

A Hidden Gem - The Foundling Museum

London is full of Hidden Gems. In fact, there are so many it becomes overwhelming trying to prioritize which ones to see.   

 

The Foundling Museum is one of those gems.

Kew Gardens and Palace

Kew Gardens and Palace are in Richmond, SW London.

Kew Palace is the smallest of the Royal Palaces. It was built in 1631 for Samuel Fortney, a successful Flemish merchant. 

In 1781 King George III purchased it to use as a nursery for his children. 

As far as palaces go, it is very simple.

The significance lies in the gardens. It is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The gardens have collections of thousands of plants from around the world. 

It is also used as a research centre. 

London Lights Up

Christmas in London is magical. 

 

The city comes alive with beautifully lit streets and creates a festive spirit.

My Life Revolves Around the Tube

My life revolves around the tube.

Without it, "my wings would be clipped". With it, I can get to any place in the city.

It is reliable, frequent, fast, clean, safe and quiet. I am never lost as long as I can find a tube station.

To say that "I love the tube" would be an understatement.