Notice the flag.
The Queen's Ensign and that of Scotland.
Apologies now to my Sister, Nikki, she was indeed right.
The flag flies as The Queen's Ensign when she is home, and switches to The Union Jack when she is away. So basically the people in the black car that we saw leaving yesterday at approximately 1130am, are very likely to be the Queen of England and Hubbie on their way to catch a flight to Scotland to open the Commonwealth Games.
"I am now standing to attention Ma'am. God Save The Queen..."
Followed by some minions of some description.
The beautiful gold statue in front of Liz's house.
The statue of Eros, how stunning is that against the morning sky.
Next came a slightly later than normal changing of the guard.
Man-oh-man are we being bombarded by the Queen.
The band first.
The change of guards a following them.
Imagine the conversation to their colleagues.
"Alright lads we're here, you can go for yer fag break now!!!"
My fellow tourist, Amy Kennett, sat on a wall with the Queen's gaff behind her.
Nice short Amy you patriot you.
Here come the 'changed guards' - double quick it seems.
Speech bubble for the one on the right; "Hurry up Bill, I am breaking my neck for a piss!!!"
And off they go up the mall.
See you later chaps.
Enjoy your rest, well deserved.
Thanks for showing off England.
After this we all took a walk up to Green Park and then in to the land of the most expensive property in Monopoly - Mayfair. Why???
Well because I used to work there. Mayfair Telephone Exchange, covered to offices when technology advancement caused kit to be smaller giving loads of space for offices.
So here I am standing outside where I worked for nearly 10 years, when a Sales Manager for BT in London. Once or twice a week I used to drag all my team from over London and wider to this office for a team meeting, well when I say in this office it was actually to next door and office #2.
And office #2 was The Punch Bowl.
Apparently owned by Guy Ritchie.
Our place of meetings - what great location.
Off now down towards Piccadilly Circus, but 1st we need to stop off at Fortnum & Mason for food stop. Whilst walking there I wanted to take this snap, as on my dining room wall in Singapore I have a black and white poster of exactly this with an old red bus chugging along. Great reminder for me every time I see it of London days, so now I have this photo to blow up too.
Food-court of Fortnum & Mason.
No other reason than to get some sliced meats to consume there and then, or on way in taxi to next meeting point. The latter became the order of the moment - with this lovely lady.
Samplings of Iberico Hams, English Cured Pig Meat, Venison Salami and Biltong (South African beef jerky) - all were absolutely amazing in flavour so we bought a load too.
Here we all are laden with goodies for our next journey.
Jude's first time in a black cab, on the way to the East of London.
And now the boys in the same cab.
On the way to the next location is our mate Big Ben - magnificent!!!
OK picnic time.
Out comes Iberico Ham, Lumo = English cured pig with paprika, venison salami and Biltong.
Oh yeah baby!
Amy digging in.
Ollie digging in too.
Even Baby Jude having his fair share - that's my boy!!!
One our way to...?
The Gherkin, a real funky building that is shaped like a gherkin.
One our way to meet my mates Ade and Kondia.
But also very close is the Lloyd's Insurance building - also known as The Inside Out building. I think you can see why. I used to support these guys as a client when I was working in London. Great piece of London architecture photographed from another - The Gherkin.
Here we are sat ground floor at a bar restaurant called The Sterling.
Sunny, sunny, sunny - so a couple of ciders, some lunch and chat with great mates.
NICE!!!
Jude had clearly enjoyed his dinner.
Maybe apart from that little bit left on the top of your lip Baby Jude.
Saving it for later mate???
Here is my mate Ade with the gang - looking very smart I must say.
And now the boys (minus Jude of course - I think he was in the shade having some milk).
Kondia though gets straight in there with Jude ha ha.
But clearly it was all very hectic for Baby Jude - what a day.
Back now on the fast connection train to Margate from St Pancras - 160Kph nice!!!
Amy stayed awake on iPAD.
Ollie too.
But Mary crashed.
So did yours truly.
And Amy ended up with stamped tickets with Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell - nice one Mr Train Guard!!!
What a wonderful day!!!
