From 2 PM on Saturday through 10 PM on Monday, I was “very active” as my hostel bunkmate put it. I think what she was really saying was, “can you please stop making noise so late and so early?” When you only have two days, you have to make the most of it! (Read: prepare for a long picture post.) Here is what I did and saw:

Next, I wanted to see the American Embassy. I had been told it was a big imposing building and not worth precious tourist time, but being stubborn in my desires, I pressed on.

Enroute to the Embassy I encountered two horse statues directly opposite each other and diametrically opposed in nature.

Given what everyone had said about the embassy, I found it to be quite appealing for a walk by. I don’t think I will make visiting Embassies a must-do on every trip abroad, but I have the picture I wanted.

Then, without any particular intention on my part, I arrived on Regent Street and was grateful to find all of the stores open for business.

Tired with sore feet, I took the tube back to the hostel. I love riding the tube. The gentle rocking and rhythm of the stops puts me to sleep.

Despite staying up late on Saturday to post about my visit with Penguin Friends, I rose early on Sunday to travel to St. Paul’s Cathedral with the intention of attending the 11 AM service. I may have slept in later if the room was darker or more quiet, but as it was, I was up and ready to go.

No photographs allowed inside, but I am sure you can find some through our good pal Google. The Sung Eucharist was excellent, and I am glad I was there early and able to have a seat close to the front. If I could go to St. Paul’s every Sunday, I might just consider it.

Onward and outward, next on the agenda was to take a picture of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and visit the Tate Modern. The next photo was taken from the Millennium Bridge. There were actually two very similar photos but in the first, I was more centered and the picture taker suggested I move to the side so that I did not appear to be “wearing a very fancy hat.” 🙂

I think modern art might be a little lost on me. I just don’t understand what makes one person’s creation “art” and another’s “junk.” Of course, I recognize that I do not have the skill to paint portraits, but some of what I saw wasn’t rocket science.

Given that a portion of the galleries was devoted to dream related artwork, I thought it was appropriate that I further engage the art by taking a nap on one of the couches. I was not the only one so inspired by the exhibits, and it was a most effective recharge.

After my deep exploration of the dream like state at Tate, I elected to walk toward Buckingham Palace to see if the baby plaque was still outside.

Checking the time, I saw it was after 6 PM when most places closed, so I thought I would turn in early to write in my journal which was desperately behind and my postcards which I would mail at Harrod’s but then I saw a few runners go by and thought “how amazing it is that their ‘normal run’ is past Buckingham Palace?” In seconds, my rest-and-sleep plan because go running! Back to the hostel to change and return to Green Park station and the Palace.

In this next series of photos that I took on my run, there is a gentleman whose name is Humphry. He saw me waiting on my Garmin watch to sync with the satellites and asked if he could join me on my run. I found this really strange, but I did not know how to say no. Why is it that people don’t feel rude asking to join me but I feel rude saying no? Oh well. Chalk it up to another experience I guess. Otherwise, it was a good run around St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Green Park.

Energy spent again, I made my way back via tube to the hostel for a shower and to prepare for a final full day.

My Monday morning plan was to see the Changing of the Guard at 11:15 AM, and to get there very early and find a good spot. I was onsite by 10 AM. I had read that the Palace State Rooms were open for touring, but online tickets were sold out. Feeling that it was worth a shot, I visited the onsite ticket office and to my surprise, found I was able to purchase a ticket for the 12:15 AM entrance – I was going in the Palace!! This gave me new motivation as I embarked on the long wait for the guards at the very front of the Palace gates.

The rooms were magnificent from floor to ceiling. The featured exhibit reflected the Diamond Jubilee and included the Coronation dress from 1953 and many other pieces. Unfortunately no pictures allowed inside the Palace, but there are some good ones online.

Next stop: Harrod’s Champagne Bar because why not?

I wish I had more time to enjoy my champagne, but I was afraid I would be late for my horseback riding appointment. So I had to drink and dash, and it was a literal dash across Hyde Park, which is bigger than you might expect. Thankfully, I was still able to ride even though I was a few minutes late.

Extremely pleased with the day, I made the journey back to the hostel to shower and collect my luggage.

With baggage in tow, I made a final stop at Harrod’s – it was where I wanted to mail my postcards (they have a postbox inside). There were also a few stores I wanted to see including:

With hours to go before my flight and no plans to stay at a hostel or hotel, I decided why not go in search of The Porcupine restaurant from my ill-planned bus excursion ten days or so prior.

Post meal, I made my way via tube to the airport for a long wait.