The G20 Summit and Sightseeing...

We decided to visit Westminster Abbey on Monday, and met Mike down there for lunch (he had to work in the morning). We stumbled upon a wonderful pub for lunch and we all had authentic food - even Sean had fish and chips! It was the best British food we've had in London, and the pub has even won some awards for their food. Then Sean and Mike went to the HMS Belfast, a WWII cruiser, that has an exhibition about how sailors live on board a ship at war. They had a great time and were able to see most of the ship before the fire alarm evacuated everyone!

My mom, dad and I tried to go see Westminster Abbey, but we only got as close as the gift shop because it was closed for a private function! Bummer!! We think it might have been related to the G20 summit because there were bomb sniffing dogs around and LOTS of security. It was really interesting being down in that area on Monday - there was something big happening at Parliment that day because there were limos and private cars picking up people from there, lots of security and media. The photo to the right is one of the Lords (we think - not sure if Members of Parliment wear the robes and wigs...) We saw the motorcade for the Mexican President (we think), so that was very interesting too! Lots of activity near Parliment this day in preparation for the big economic summit. We are not sure how the summit will affect our sightseeing, but we will definately not go near the areas where large protests are planned. The last time a summit like this was held in London, terrorists bombed the underground - so I am a bit wary of the underground and really touristy things!

Tuesday my parents went to Taunton, England and met up with some of their friends. They had a lovely time and were driven to the North Sea so they could "look at" Ireland. They navigated the train system well, and returned back to our flat without my assistance via taxi! Sean and I had a playdate with our friends from Texas who are leaving this week, and Mike worked. He is pretty busy this week...

Today we decided to avoid the underground and took a water bus to the zoo. The top photo is mom, dad and Sean next to the barge. It is a lovely ride on the canal near our flat - about 35 min. to the zoo. We had a great time at the zoo and the weather was perfect! Sunny and about 60 degrees! In the other photo, Sean is sitting on a dung beetle, which means I must be leaning on a big pile of dung! :)