Inns of Court Walk

We set out for our third walk on a nice sunny morning. It took us through the Inns of Court, definitely not something we would have found just wondering on our own. It was right off of the Strand, a very busy, bustling street in London, but as soon as you walk through to the courtyards, it seems a long way away because of how peaceful and quiet it is. The Inns of Court are where lawyers (or barristers) have their offices (or chambers). And like everything else in London, they've been there for a very long time, and have a lot of history attached to them.

A house we passed before going into the Inns of Court, with a weathervane representing the vessel that took Christopher Columbus to America, just another quirky thing we thought was cool.



Temple Gardens




Just a courtyard we found particularly charming



Temple Church, originally built in 1185, and most recently made famous by its appearance in "The Da Vinci Code"




The end of the walk took us across to Fleet Street and to this creepy courtyard, which is where Victorian legend (or is it?) Sweeney Todd would slit the throats of his unsuspecting customers and drag them to the Bell Yard where they were then put into Mrs. Lovett's meat pies...yummy!

Day 2 - Westminster Walk

We started off Day 2 going to Leicester (pronounced Lester) Square to get half price theater tickets for "Oliver".

Just outside Leicester Square Tube station, pretty busy intersection.



You've gotta love London's underground system, go anywhere you want in the city, and who knows what interesting person you'll be sitting/standing next to each time



A walk past Westminster Abbey, we didn't actually go inside this time, but thought it warranted a couple pictures!




I had a book that took us on "walks of London" and it took us to some beautiful neighborhoods right next to the Houses of Parliament, and pointed out this sign, it was a bomb shelter during WW II. James and I couldn't believe how many things we discovered were destroyed by German bombs in London, it's quite astonishing really.



Jewel Tower, kind of hidden across the street from the Houses of Parliament, but very cool. Built in 1365 to house the King's wardrobe, must have been quite the wardrobe!



The moat and quay that protected the tower still remain



And at the end of our walk we passed through Horse Guards Arch and were right on time (to the minute) to see the Horse Guards come out and do their thing. We stayed for a couple minutes, and then were on our way again.

Kensington Gardens Walk

After 20 hours of traveling, we made a quick stop to our hotel to drop off luggage, then headed out the door to do a walk I remember doing every week while in London at study abroad. Each Sunday I would get to walk through the beautiful Kensington Gardens to get to church in the Hyde Park Ward. I couldn't wait to see everything I remembered so fondly, and it didn't disappoint, it was fun to show James all the little things along the way.

Palace Court, the BYU center in London, such a beautiful street.



The Italian Gardens right at sunset, created 1860



Another view of the Italian Gardens



The Albert Memorial, in all of its gaudily ornate splendor



Why I loved these gardens, beautiful!



The Elfin Oak, little elves and gnomes are carved into the tree to make it feel like a miniature fairy land.



And finally, the LDS chapel on Exhibition Road. When I was in London last, I taught the 12-15 year olds Sunday School, hard to believe those girls are now in their mid-20's.

We're Back!

Eight days went by way too quick. The trip was wonderful, can't say enough about it. You'll probably be sick of it when I'm finally done posting about it...but sorry, I don't care! :)

Bon Voyage

Leaving for London tomorrow, we'll miss these cute faces, but are excited to eat tea and crumpets after a stroll through Hyde Park. :)

City of Angels

James and I went up to L.A. this weekend to have lunch with my dear friend, Brittany, and her husband, Steve. We decided to meet up with the girls and my parents later at the Grove and LACMA. What a fun day! I hope we get to go again soon, there is so much to see and do up there.

LACMA, Urban Light Sculpture







Me and Britt. Doesn't she look great, she's almost 8 months pregnant!?!



The Grove

Johnny Rockets