London

We have arrived! After a whirlwind week, we left for the airport around 11am Saturday morning. We boarded in Fresno around 1pm and headed to LAX. After a bumpy, but uneventful flight we landed. After shuttles and a hike, we made it to the international terminal and found British Airways. Then came the line for security checks. For some reason, Dave and Sandy who were just in front of us disappeared quickly. My bag toppled over and Paul and I righted it, turned back around in the line and they were gone! We were pointed down a row and had no wait at all and walked easily through security. On the other side, we realized Dave and Sandy had been directed to a different, very long line and were still waiting. We had plenty of time and were sitting and waiting when Paul realized his passport wasn't where it should be. I had been holding the passports, until we got up to the check and then I had handed it to him. He hadn't handed it back and I didn't realize it. Fortunately, the security check had it - it had been left in the bin. Heart stopping. The trip wouldn't have been the same without him! Lol.

The Micus and Parkers heading for Heathrow!

We boarded for Heathrow and the journey continued. It was lovely to fly straight. The plane was packed and didn't not seem nearly as roomy as I remembered from prior international flights. We made acquantances with several along the way and received some travel tips and sights to see. The flight was also bumpy and long, but uneventful. I was hoping to sleep, but it has been eluding me now for a couple days. . . .hoping to crash hard tonight.

Close plane flights cause one to be grateful for American hygiene. We have our faults, but we tend to smell nice:). I wasn't sure if I'd make the flight without throwing up, but the Burt's Bees Wax on the upper lip helped immensely.

We landed on time but had another long wait in border crossings. Then, to figure out the Tube and what kind of rail pass we needed. After a ride from Heathrow into London, we arrived at Victoria Station and headed toward the hotel. We walked past Buckingham Palace and saw Churchill's favorite dining spot. There are many nice little pubs and cafes and we found a quaint one and enjoyed an afternoon lunch/supper.

The Tube became our mode of transportation in London. Leaving Heathrow enroute to the hotel. Paul and Dave made the call to only bring carry ons. . .definitely a plus when hopping on/off public transportation.

The hotel is clean and small, but nice. All are resting except for your truly! Anyway, we are due to meet soon to go to evening service at Westminister Chapel. We had hoped to make the morning service, but were way to idealistic in that thought! Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones was the preacher at one time and we look forward to worshiping in this place where he heralded the Gospel. After that service, we plan to make the later service at Spurgeon's Church. Perhaps a walk along the Thames and by Big Ben on the way back and we'll call it in a night here in London!

Missing my babies - big and small! The first stewardess was the oldest of 10 so we talk about them a bunch. And pray more.

I hope to figure out how to add photos soon. . .until then good-bye!

In front of the hotel...they are everywhere and very quaint. Hopefully with the cell phone England will still keep these around. They make a great photo for tourists. . .Saw more tourist in them than locals!