Unbelievably, it was our last day! The group left the hotel to make the most of the beautiful spring weather.  We took the tube to St. Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece.  Unfortunately, as today was Ash Wednesday, the church was closed for touring.  We did however, partake in a Lenten liturgy under the great dome.  What an incredible experience! Crossing the Millennium Bridge across the Thames ( where we stopped for a group photograph), we stepped back in time to the London of Shakespeare. After touring the Globe Theater, we participated in a workshop based on  Romeo and Juliet with a Shakespearean actor.  We had lunch at the ancient Borough Market,  and spent the early evening, walking from the Houses of Parliament to Trafalgar's Square-the very heart of London. (See photo above)  A fish and chip and dinner was followed by the musical Billy Elliot, enjoyed by all.  The warriors set out for an early start tomorrow, and should be back in Houston in the early afternoon.  Thanks again London, it has been great as always.

Many thanks for our incredible chaperones who took a few moments to ham it up a little in Trafalgar Square.   You were awesome and we couldn't do it without you.   

The Kilns and Oxford

 

 It is not very often that the following statement is heard, but today London was warmer than Houston! Bathed in sunshine and with a balmy 50 degree temperature, we boarded the coach for the hour  and a half drive to the ancient city of learning, Oxford.
  A visit to the Kilns, the home of C.S. Lewis, was followed by a visit to his parish church and grave site.  Elizabeth, our Mary Poppins-esque guide, led us on a informative walking tour of the various colleges that comprise Oxford University.  Several students inquired about tuition rates, so parents get ready!
  On our way back to  London, we visited Blenheim Palace, seat of the Marlborough family( not the cigarette brand) since the early 1600's and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.  A quick bite for dinner, preceded our Jack the Ripper Walk with our old friend Adam.  Student listened transfixed as he told the story of a series of still unsolved gruesome murders that took place in the late 1800's. (See above photos).

 Today we went to Bath, the ancient Roman city, famed for it s Georgian architecture and Jane Austen.  Guess what?  It rained... but not for long. After a bus tour through the Royal Crescent, we visited the Roman baths. (the plumbing still works!)  As you can see from the photograph above, Mr. Zeal was over joyed that Christian Mardaga purchased a Welsh rugby shirt.
An afternoon of shopping and fellowship completed our time in Bath.  Bangers and mash (see above) at the Prince of Wales Pub (In certain circles also known as the Steve Zeal Pub) preceded a wonderful production of War Horse, in London's west end. (See photo above). All things considered, another action packed, fun filled day for our intrepid traveling Warriors.  

Day 3

Today we were joined by our blue badge guide Liz, for a day in Windsor(see photo above).  As hard to believe as it might be, it rained again today.  It seems that there are two types of weather in London; it is either getting ready to rain, or it is raining.  After attending the sung Eucharist at St. George's Chapel, we toured the state rooms at Windsor Castle.  Although the Queen was in residence, she was unable to join us for tea.  We wrapped up our stay in Windsor with shopping and lunch.  Dinner at Planet Hollywood in London's west end preceded an evening walk where our London Walks guide Adam amused, informed and entertained us with ghost stories of the old city.  Tomorrow, the ancient city of Bath awaits our intrepid band of Warriors.

Day 2

     Much to everyone's surprise, the sun came out today and blessed us with blue skies as we began our day the Tower of London.  A yeoman warder (beefeater) entertained us with tales from the over 900 years of history of this royal palace. After our tour, we visited the always impressive crown jewels of England. (They don't have anything like that in Neiman Marcus.)  After lunch and shopping via Tower Hill, we made our way north to Camden Locks Market, a truly eclectic experience.  Our day finished in the company of kings, queens, jesters and knights at a medieval banquet.  It was clear that the students would not need rocking to sleep to night.  Stay tuned as tomorrow warriors do Windsor.

Apparently there are two types of weather in London, either it is getting ready to rain or it is raining!  Today we experienced the later, and boy did it rain.  Undeterred, our intrepid travelers boarded speed boats in the shadow of the London eye.  (Mr. Zeal forgot to mention the "speedboat" part to our i travelers.)  After an unforgettable trip down the River Thames to the London barrier, we took the tube to the original Hard Rock Cafe where we indulged in some good ole American food (and ice cream), in all it's glory.  After visiting the Hard Rock vault, and seeing memorabilia by Hendrix, Cobain, Lennon et al, our tired group of travelers returned for a peaceful nights repose.  Sweet dreams until tomorrow...whats that sound? Its London calling...

We hope you are getting your bags packed and are set on go for our journey across the pond to merry old England.  It is going to be another great trip packed with fun times and amazing memories.  See you all at the airport early Thursday evening!  Don't be late.