A Quick Stop in London

We stay overnight at Heathrow and take the Underground ("Tube") into London for a day of exploration.  Starting in the financial district, we exit the Tube near Lloyd's of London (the world-famous insurance and reinsurance market) and 30 St Mary Axe ("The Gherkin").

 Lloyd's of London and The Gherkin

From there, it's a short stroll to Leadenhall Market, dating from the 14th century, one of the oldest markets in London, now packed with shops, restaurants and cafes.

 Leadenhall Market

Gracechurch Street leads from Leadenhall Market to the London Bridge, across which we find Borough Market, the oldest and largest food market in London, dating from the 12th century.  We wander and enjoy the great sight and smells.

Crossing the Thames

 Borough Market

From Borough Market, we stroll along the banks of the Thames toward the Palace of Westminster (meeting place of the two houses of Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords), noting familiar sights and seeing what has changed since we were last here.

 Along the Thames

Crossing the Thames on the Westminster Bridge (located, oddly enough, at the Palace of Westminster), we head towards Buckingham Palace, cutting through St. James Park.

 Cutting through St. James Park

To Buckingham Palace

After the palace, we have one more stop in this short visit:  a quick trip to Knightsbridge to visit the Harrods Department Store Christmas Shop to check out the ornaments.

 Harrods Christmas Shop

It's been a quick, but fun, trip to London, but now its time to head home on tomorrow's morning flight to San Francisco.