And so it began, on June 23rd - our big Europe adventure! Hope you enjoy the pics! We flew out of Hong Kong at midnight, and arrived at Heathrow early in the morning, London time - watching the sun rise as we taxied in. We took a shuttle to Gatwick, and then to the hotel where we had a wonderful reunion with Jan, Shea and Rowan. Had it really been a whole year since we've been away? We all had quick showers and then off by train to Sutton Coldfield, where we were to stay with Auntie Maureen, cousin Leslie and her son Ben. A gracious host, and felt very welcome. We took the train all over the countryside, to London to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to see Mid-Summer Night's Dream (incredible!), and to Harborne to see the house where Jen's father grew up. Lots of reminiscing, and connecting. We took a trip to Warwick Castle (one of the most beautiful places in England, I suspect), enjoying the BLUE skies and CLEAN air - our lungs will forever be grateful after the smog of HK, visited a pub or two (had to have the bangers and mash!), and then we were off again, train to London, where we grabbed a bus tour of the city on our last night there. VERY fun to see the city, and the sights, stopped off at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard, and then to Trafalgar Square for supper at Subway!, and back to the hotel. Lots of walking, and enjoying the city, the history and incredible buildings, and then more ahead, as we left the next day to Paris!
The kiddie castle, where the cousins slept in Auntie Maureen's backyard, Sutton Coldfield
The travellers arrive from Hong Kong - 5am London time.
Warwick Castle from the top of the battlements - we climbed ALL 530 steps!
Warwick and the River Avon beside
Sarah enjoying the view from Warwick mound and the fresh cool breeze
Arriving at the train station in Sutton Coldfield - not too many bags!!
Big Ben as we arrived in London for our last night in England, and toured the city on the double decker bus!
Sarah and Jan enjoying the bus tour!
Meggie and cousin Shea in the front, as always!
Having a breather in the beautiful rose garden at Warwick Castle. The garden was officially opened by Princess Di
The gang off to London to see Shakespeare's Mid-Summer Night's Dream at the new Globe Theatre, right on the Thames.
Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
The Canada Gate @ Buckingham Palace - beautiful!
Buckingham gang
Bob and Jen @Warwick Castle
Sarah and Ro at the Globe Theatre at the start
Globe Stage
Lover's quarrel
In the stands at the Globe - a wonderful afternoon in the sun!
Bottom as the Mule - laughing so hard we almost fell off the seats!
Big Bate adventure continues!
In London, walking into town from hotel
In Sutton Coldfield @ the pub!
A dream come true for Jen and Jan! Tickets had been booked six months in advance!
Shea and the audience enjoying the show!
We were in England for five days, before leaving for Dover and the ferry to Calais on the 29th. A wonderful trip, and great feeling of homecoming!
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