It's either England, the UK, Great Britain, or the British Isles, June 7

I am just posting the remaining entries now (June 12). I have always blogged our trips in the evening after dinner, when everyone used to settle down after a long day of exploring. But now that Sarah and Sam are adults, we've taken to eating and staying out late (When in Rome....), and by the time we get back, I don't have the energy to write and find photos on everybody's phones. So the rest of the trip's posts are to the best of my recollection (when I can recollect at all!)

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A dawn cab ride to the airport started our day, and we got there plenty early for our 9:30am flight. We really liked this airline, ITA Airways, the official Italian airline. Easy check-in with baggage, friendly people, snacks and drinks on board. The 2.5hr flight was pleasant, and we were over the English Channel and back in England by 11am (time change).

Next was a ride on British Rail from the airport (Gatwick, 40 miles south of London) to Victoria Station in the center of London. Like with most rail trips, it wasn't the prettiest scenery, but we got a good idea of how the English countryside looks.

We were too early to check in at our B and B, so we got a spot of lunch nearby. 

Streets near the B and B. Terribly British!

We got checked in to our wonderful B and B Family Suite and went exploring. First was Buckingham Palace.

Then we walked towards Westminster Abbey, going by Parliament and Big Ben on the way.

 This shot looks like a painting:

Map of the Royal Gardens

We found the area where the royal horses parade

#10 Downing Street

Big Ben

Parliament

Westminster Abbey

The Thames and the London Eye

On the way back through the center of London, we passed some pricey real estate

An authentic and working red phone booth, 

and Amy's dad's store

After a short rest we went out and met a couple with a cute little French Bulldog

, then found and authentic British pub, the Traveler's, that has been in business by Victoria Rail Station for 150 years. Wonderful true draft beer (no CO2), English food (Fish and Chips, Steak and mushroom pie and soccer on every TV!

Our day in London complete (We were happy everything we wanted to see was close together and a short walk from the B and B), we headed back, after a visit here (all those beers!)

 to our cozy room and comfortable beds.