Day 4 20 Mar 2006 Walking Tour

We got up earlier than usual today to join up with the walking tour to witness the changing of the guard. It was a cold and overcast day so we really bundled up this time since we'll be walking most of the day.

The tour starts at 10:15 from Trafalgar Square to the Horse Guard Stations and proceed to Buckingham Palace. We were able to catch the 9:15 bus and made it to the meeting point a little early giving us time to walk around Trafalgar Square and take some pictures. It was very overcast at that time though so the pictures didn't come out as good; and to top it off, the guide mentioned that there will be no changing of the guard for the day.

There were only 6 of us in the group due to the weather plus it was also Monday. On the plus side, it gave us a chance to really enjoy the tour and ask questions. The guide showed us the various structures and monuments in the immediate area including the offices and the 'Gentlemen's Club' (pictured on the left) for the royalty. He then took us down to the main road called 'The Mall' where the royal parades are held and also heads straight to the Buckingham Palace.

We then walked across to the Horse Guards Station and observed the changing of the guard. It's not as spectacular as the Palace's guards - just one group relieving each other with not much ceremonials. They look good on horseback though.

The tour guide pointed out 19 Downing Street where Tony Blair's office is at and mentioned that it has been closed to vehicular traffic after 9/11. It is just to the right of the Horse Guard Station.


We walked through St. James' Park which is open 24 hours because it was considered safe and is also located at the Royal London area near Buckingham Palace. Both the Hyde and Kensington Parks are closed around midnight. There is a large pond with all kinds of waterfowls including swans waiting for handouts from the park visitors.

Walking along the mall, the guide pointed out the different buildings including Prince Charles' and Camilla Bowles official residence (right).




He also showed where the Palace Guards form up (left) before going to the Buckingham Palace and one of the guard shacks (right) in front of the building.

We continued on down the mall all the way to Buckingham Palace and took a few pictures.



From there, we walked on to Victoria Station and got some more travel brochures. We were hungry by then and looking for a place to eat, came across the Kabayan Filipino Store where they had a couple of tables and a small store in the basement. We had adobong pusit and pinakbet with rice and 1 bowl each of hot broth. Mom bought some magazines and snacks including Boy Bawang Cornicks while we waited for our order. The food was good and the staff were very friendly.

From there, we had to rush back to Trafalgar Square again to join up with the Beatles' walking tour through the Soho district. It wasn't just about the Beatles though but the history fo rock and roll as it developed in London.

He took us to where the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Animals played their gigs before they became famous (left)



a shop displaying one of the original drum sets that the Beatles used, (the Sgt. Pepper's set is a replica)



the restaurant where Paul McCartney first met Linda Eastman (Miranda Club so mom has to be in the picture);



the Apple now EMI Records office;




Paul McCartney's office

and the flat where they shot Let It Be at the rooftop. The guide pointed out that the neighbors complained about the noise during the filming. Both of our memory cards are full by then so we didn't get a chance to take a picture.

The guide took us back to Trafalgar Square where we took the bus to Covent Gardens to watch the Broadway Show 'The Producers'. Mom was able to buy discounted tickets while we were doing the Beatles' walking tour. We had coffee and cheesecake at Starbucks (mom got an England mug this time) while waiting for the show. Also walked around the area and entered an opera house to stay warm. We also discovered that one of the open markets nearby but it was already closing when we got there.

Watching the show capped a long day of walking. We didn't get to watch it in Japan but was worth the wait. It was held in one of the older theaters and it was huge with ornate designs.

I took a couple of pictures and got reprimanced immediately. It was a great show and we just sat back and relaxed.

Took the subway home and just bought sandwiches and drinks from the store for a late dinner. Another great day in London.