Day 4: A once in a lifetime kind of a day!

We received a message from Dr. Nobiling that we would have to leave an hour earlier this morning because we were going to go to Downing Street and we were actually going to be let inside to get a picture and hear about Number 10, which is the residence of the Prime Minister. Aside from wearing a dress all day it was definitely one of the best days yet! We set off from the hotel today and I was anticipating the view of Buckingham Palace! We arrived at the Supreme Court to meet Richard and Phil our very special "tour guides," they are actually two Metropolitan Police Constables, where they told us that we weren't going to be watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace... from the outside. We were actually going to be able to go inside the gates to watch the ceremony. This was VERY exciting news! We made our way to Downing street where we were let inside and were told all about the history of the famous location and all got pictures taken in front of the door.

After we left downing street we made our way toward the Mall, which is the main road running to Buckingham Palace. We also stopped at the National Police Memorial, where I captured Phil in the reflection.

 

 

The view from down the street of Buckingham Palace. 

 

 

One of several places on the sidewalks around Buckingham Palace that has been dedicated to the memory of Princess Diana.

 

We watched the ceremony from inside the gates but we were not able to take any pictures. But as we walked in an were standing in front we looked back as probably thousands of people stood outside (probably wondering who in the world this group was and how they were managing to get inside the gates.) It was an experience that is certainly once in a lifetime. We experienced so many rare things and I feel very fortunate to have done this today. All thanks to our great guides for the day Richard and Phil.

 

We made our way out to get lunch before the next location which was New Scotland Yard. There were given a brief of what the Metropolitan Police do and what they are responsible for in London. They have a wide area to make sure stays in order and help with all special events that take place, things like Marathons, Bike Tours, and even the Olympics.

 

 

Today so much happened that I know I am forgetting to mention things. I am very happy with what we did today and am glad that we met Phil, Richard, Barry, and Martin, because they made the experiences of today even better!