London, Days 1 & 2A

Hyde Park Corner

My first day in London was spent mostly sleeping, recovering from my flight from Los Angeles to London via Washington, DC, and from the time change. I stayed at the London Marriott Kensington which was on a bus line to Hyde Park Corner, where I went to on day 2. You need an Oyster Card to ride the London buses and underground, 5 pounds for the card and then you put money on it to cover your transportation.

I walked from the Wellington Arch (photo) at Hyde Park Corner to Buckingham Palace, where I would see the Changing of the Guards.

Hyde Park Corner

Wellington Arch

The Angel of Peace is on top of the Wellington Arch.

Wellington Arch

Wellington Statue

Among other statues at Hyde Park Corner is the Wellington Statue.

Wellington Statue

Royal Artillery Memorial

Another memorial at Hyde Park Corner is the Royal Artillery Memorial.

Royal Artillery Memorial

New Zealand War Memorial

Another memorial at Hyde Park Corner is the New Zealand War Memorial.

New Zealand War Memorial

Queen Victoria Memorial

It was about a 10–minute walk from Hyde Park Corner to the Queen Victoria Memorial which is directly across from Buckingham Palace. I would claim my spot on the memorial to watch the Changing of the Guards at the palace.

I saw the Changing of the Guards in 2004. I went back again to see them in 2005, on July 7, the day of the London subway bombing. We were told to evacuate the area and there was no Changing of the Guards that day, a completely surreal day in London dealing with the terrorist bombings. Sometimes it is good to go back when all is calm to forget when it wasn’t.