London Day 2

First up today was a train ride to St Pauls Cathedral. I really loved this church last time and visiting it for a second time was just as exciting...

Photography is not allowed inside but I couldn't resist taking a shot of the dome from inside my handbag. This picture shows the viewing gallery above the arches we climbed to and looked down into the cathedral and the very top of the Dome.

Looking down into St Pauls from gallery

 Peter and I left Dad on the outside balcony enjoying the view of London while we climbed the steep spiral stairs to the very top of the Dome where there is a little viewing window down into the Cathedral...

And then step outside for a fantastic view over London...

We had an early lunch in the cafe at St Pauls then caught the train to find the United Grand Lodge of England Freemason's Hall. We were running a bit late for the 12pm tour and in our haste of looking for the building we went into the first one we saw with word "Grand" on it. Dad rushes up to the desk and asks if we have missed the tour, the lady looks at him strangely and suggests perhaps we are looking for the building next door. We were in this hotel... 

After much laughter we find the correct place and are very pleased when they let us join the tour late. It was actually quite interesting and our tour man was very passionate and was very informative...

A very happy Freemason

United Grand Lodge of England Hall

 Back on the train to Kensington and a walk to Kensington Palace. They have had a refurbishment in the Palace and it is now open to the public. The gardens have also been tidied up and looked lovely... 

We met Peter's workmate Frank and his wife Dawn here for a cuppa. They had come over from Paris for the day...

We then went for a tour through the Palace. It wasn't that appealing inside but it was interesting seeing some of Princess Diana's dresses on display...

We sat outside and chatted to this 90 year old man who comes everday to feed the squirrels nuts. He was very interesting and let us feed some squirrels...

So very very cute!

We then went walking to High Street in Kensington and went shopping in Marks and Spencer. The men found some shorts to buy. Then we went back into "Whole Foods" and I bought some healthy snacks. We decided to buy our tea from here and for 7 pound you can fill a little container up with any food from a choice of about 60 salads and hot foods. Great value and great food...

Exhausted from another busy day we caught a taxi back home.