London in the Dark

I had a very nice time visiting with my cousin Erin in London yesterday - it's nice to have family with me on this side of the Atlantic.  It was her first full day in London, so we did a bit of walking around to see some of the major sights.  We also got her set up with some pounds instead of dollars, an Oyster card for the Tube, and some adapters for her US electricals.  Not only that, but she had her first true British Fish and Chips and stepped out of her comfort zone to enjoy one of our fine British beers.  Another bit of British culture she was able to experience?  Wind and rain.  Yep.  Despite the forecast showing a picture of the sun, we had rain.  Can't say it surprised me at all.  The only thing that does surprise me is that fact that I continue to use the weather forecast to make "umbrella decisions".  One day I'll learn that you just don't go anywhere without the brolly.

Looking at my last post, which had no picture with it, was quite odd.  Maybe that's why I'm loading this one up with multiple photos.

London after dark - a bit of a challenge to get some halfway decent shots, but it was nice to see everything lit up.

Cousin Erin rides the tube for the first time.  All smiles!

I don't know what it is, but I just love Big Ben.  Every time I see it, I have to take more pictures.

Horse Guards Parade.  Two guards on duty, although there didn't appear to be too much to "guard".

Admiralty Arch

Night time view of the eye from Parliament Street, just opposite Downing Street.  There was a demonstration going on about the use of conflict minerals from DR Congo to make mobiles (aka cell phones).  Did you see the film "Blood Diamond" with Leonardo DiCaprio (if not, I recommend watching it)?  Same type of issue, but with minerals.

Piccadilly Circus

A view of some Christmas lights from Piccadilly Circus

And finally, there were quite a few Christmas trees around the City. 

I posted a picture of the Lego tree before, but was at St Pancras again and got a better view.  Just a note that it's the "world's tallest Lego Christmas tree" and is made from about 600,000 Legos.  There is also a small note placed at the bottom asking people not to take "any souvenirs".

Christmas Tree at Parliament

Christmas tree at Westminster Abbey

Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square

Christmas Tree at Buckingham Palace.  It was difficult to get a picture of the tree, as it was dark and not close to the gates.  You'll just have to trust me that those lights behind the big front gates are on a tree (click on picture to get a bigger view).

And for my sister (if you made it to the end of this post) - we DID eat at the pub I wanted.  They had 3 "pies of the day" - none of which were steak and ale.  Perhaps another day.