London sightseeing

The weather was spectacular today, so we took advantage by exploring Hyde Park. We went via Buckingham Palace, then took a double-decker a few stops, and ended by renting bicycles. The only form of transport we didn't squeeze in was pedalboats or rowboats on Serpentine Lake. Or horses on "Rotten Row" (an English corruption of the French Route de Roi).

Found a fantastic pub for dinner here in Shepperton (required venturing out by car again, but we made it). The place has a large tree-covered terrace, overlooking the Thames, near the Shepperton lock. There are houseboats as well as riverside homes here. It is so lovely. Unfortunately, only British food to be had. Seriously, how can an entire country have no decent cuisine. I came prepared to scoff at the stereotype, but it is simply true: the food is terrible. (And at this pub, the service was really slow, but the atmosphere still made up for it, in my opinion. I'd go back.)

The waiter called Alex "mate." He really liked that. He seems to be falling in love with all things British. I'm trying to arrange a cricket match or football game. Gotta have the full immersion.

Here are some photos so far...

Happy to be here, but jet lagged. On Westminster Bridge, in front of the London Eye.

Next day, at Buckingham Palace. Still jet lagged? Or is she just going to pose that way for every photo?

Guards in furry hats. A big hit. But didn't they used to stand closer to the tourists? And you tried to get them to "break"? Now they are far away.

Rented bikes in Hyde Park. It was a self-service kiosk, and did not function smoothly. But it was an adventure anyway.

Serpentine Lake, in Hyde Park

At the pub.

Well, British Food, anyway.

View of the pub, with the river behind us.

The river: the part that rolls past Shepperton.