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The morning was a quick trip on the tube for a guided tour of the Parliament. The whole group was there, and Tom even got a ticket for Abigail and Jamie. Not many pictures from inside, due to the fact that once you are through the first section they do not allow for photo taking.
The overall tour was good. I really enjoyed seeing the inside of the building and learning some of the history. Having seen events taking place in the parliament from watching news, it was fascinating to see the rest of the in workings of the building. Just like our congressional building, it is divided into two sections. The big difference is the opulence dividing the two. The House of Lords side, which is the one side the monarchy only goes into, is highly decorated and has a ton of gold in it. The House of Commons is much more subdued and is mostly just marble and wood.
It was great also hearing all the long history of parliament. Abigail was studying to the “Life in the UK” test so that she can change her status to “indefinite leave to remain”. This will allow her to stay in the UK without ever having to apply for a visa or pay for NHS. In her head she kept correcting the tour guide on her historical facts. Tom Crosby, the Daniel House Director, was doing the same thing since he teaches the British Heritage and Culture course here. I knew no difference.
Side note: Abigail took the test on Monday and passed the first time taking it which most people do not. We expected nothing less from here. 😎
We met up with Abigail’s in-laws Perry and Fiona and Fiona’s mother Granny Annie. We all had a wonderful time, and the show was very good. The theatre was a small thrust stage and made the show very intimate. It was a 3 hour play but went by very quickly. The lead actors did an amazing job. It has been a very long time since Becky and I had seen a live play like that.
After the tour everyone took off on their own and Abigail, Becky, Jamie and I stopped in at the St. Stephen’s Tavern and had lunch. Jamie of course made friends with all the people sitting around us. Then Abigail and Jamie headed back to the Daniel House for nap time. Becky and I headed off for the Hampstead Theatre to see the Tom Stoppard play “The Invention of Love”.
After the show we had reservations at Nona Italian Restaurant, but no of us were sure where it was and it took a bit, but we found it. Abigail and Jamie were waiting for us and a bit later Abigail’s brother-in-law, Owen, joined us. The food and fellowship were wonderful, and we all had a great time. We then all split up and Becky, Abigial, Jamie and I headed back to the Daniel House.
A very full day, but another great one as we are still in week 1 of being in London.
