The First Three Days

Hello from London! Sorry it took so long to post but we have had wi-fi challenges at our hostel. We arrived at JFK without a hitch and went from the bus to the gate in under twenty minutes! After an uneventful flight we took the Paddington Express into London and arrived at Palmers Lodge Boutique Backpackers Hostel just in time to meet Rachel and her father. Next stop was a lovely breakfast and then off to Westminster to visit the Queen. Squeals of delight sounded as we emerged from the Tube directly at the base of Big Ben. We passed the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace ending up in Trafalgar Square. While the weather was cool and cloudy the enthusiasm of the students made up for any discomfort. Next stop was Coventry Garden for coffee and hot chocolate before the rigors of overnight traveling began to set in. Returning to the hostel for well needed hot showers we enjoyed a quick dinner and then all raced for their beds.

Wednesday morning we were off to Paddington again for a short train ride to Windsor Castle. We made it in time to see the changing of the guard and enjoyed the military bands version of The Beatles "Yesterday" and "Putting on the Ritz". Next it was off to visit the State Apartments and Queen Mary's Dollhouse. After lunch in Windsor we journeyed back to central London and enjoyed a fantastic tea at Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly. Scones, jam and Devonshire cream! A little slice of heaven on Earth. To walk it off we strolled up Regent's Street and ended up walking all the way back to the hostel. Tired but happy the students spent the rest of the evening hanging out in their rooms. Overall, a fantastic start to the trip!