State Rooms tour and London Trip.

We left Bedford yesterday about 9 45am and arrived in London about an hour later, then got the underground to Green Park.  When we arrived it was the changing of the guard, but I didn't see much and couldn't take any snaps as it was too crowded with people pushing and shoving. Mostly foreign tourists taking pics with smartphones, tablets etc.  I don't like crowds very much and we did get jostled around somewhat. The police were constantly telling people to move on,  We managed to fight our way through the crowds to the entrance to the state rooms eventually.

The first thing was the security, much like an airport I expect where our bags were checked and we walked through an xray thing, glad my knee implants didn't set it off!

The rooms were spectacular I have to say and it was fascinating to see paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens so close up. I glanced up at the many beautiful crystal chandeliers, especially one huge one and couldn't help thinking of Del Boy and co!!

The staff were all very friendly and helpful, many of them youngsters; it must be a great experience working there, albeit temporarily for most, while the rooms are open to the public. We never made it to the garden tea rooms as it was packed, but went to the lovely gift shop, although a bit pricey, the gifts were of a nice quality, so big spender me, bought a souvenir guide and a fridge magnet.

After our visit we got the tube to Oxford Circus and went to Hamley's toy store, as promised, as my friends each took a granddaughter with them. I'd never been there, so it was an experience and a half, never seen so many assistants, all eager to relieve us of our money. The girls both chose a teddy bear to stuff, clothe and print out a birth certificate. Not cheap, but they seemed to be pleased with their identical bears, both newly christened "Snowy"

After that we walked, somewhat wearily, except the girls of course, to the famous M&M World sweet shop which is dedicated to all things M&M, very colourful and glaringly bright, with a multitude of eager young staff, once again.   It's hard to believe that there are 4 floors devoted to M&M sweet and memorabilia. A sign of the times I expect.

Totally shattered by then, we stumbled on a little more and practically fell into a Kentucky fried chicken outlet, but alas no tea sold there, so had to settle for a cold drink.

Then back to the tube station and off to good old St Pancras station, but not before I absentmindedly put my ticket in a non-functioning machine and had to get a nice young chap to release it. I felt such a twit!  It had been a lovely day but we were all glad to get the train home, as our feet were killing us. The two youngsters, needless to say, were still full of beans.

 Ah, brings back memories of carefree childhood days!