Europe

After the Pax Lodge activities, we boarded our bus to find our own lunch spot. (Bela and I spotted a Pizza Hut sign, so we went four flights below street level for some tasty food.) There was time to spend a few pounds after lunch, so we did some shopping. Traffic was “chockablock,” so we were a bit delayed after we met up again at the bus and proceeded on a three-hour tour. Unlike Gilligan, we did not get stranded. We did, however, get wet.

I learned that snapping a decent picture is nearly impossible through a window while zooming by the attraction…in the rain. I also learned that taxis had high ceilings in them to allow men to climb in without removing their top hats. Despite the fashions of today, tradition is tradition.

We got out near Buckingham Palace for a photo op. Bela stayed on the bus, but I took the cameras and represented the García family. Janet, the tour guide, and our bus driver, Noel, were very nice and helpful. Our time in London was precisely scheduled—much to my dismay—so we spent quite a chunk of time walking. Dear Rich, our ~~babysitter~~ full-time guide, walked like he was late for a fire. By the time we arrived at our supper destination, The Jugged Hare, Bela was in tears. Her ankle brace had rubbed a blister on her, and her hip was throbbing. At this point, Bela was ready to go home (as in back to Nebraska). In spite of the drama and fatigue, I took some cool pictures that I’ll share. More later!