Victoria

This statue memorializes Britain's longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, who reigned over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from her ascension in 1837 until her death in 1901. In 1876, she added the title Empress of India to her titles and styles. Victoria married her cousin, Prince Albert and they had nine children. Albert died in 1861 and she never remarried. Due to her high sense of morality and influence, the period of her reign came to be known as the Victorian Age.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

The Canada Gate

Canada Gate with Union Jacks : Victoria Memorial Circle : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

Detail on the Canada Gate : London, UK

I probably should have saved this post for 1 July and Canada Day, but alas. The Canada Gate fronts Green Park and forms part of the area around Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace. Beyond the gate is the Canada Memorial, which honors the sacrifices of Canadians during World Wars I and II.

Buffalo detail on the Canada Gate : London, UK

Canada Gate--given in memory of Queen Victoria : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Changing Guards

Standing Guard : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

We were too late for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but we did enjoy watching members of the Queen's Guard march back and forth in front of the palace. Just a few shots of these gents in red and their bear skin hats.

Minor changing of the guard : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

The Queen's Guard : Buckingham Palace : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11

Buckingham

Buckingham and the Union Jack : London, UK

I'll just confess it right here, right now: London underwhelmed me. Don't get me wrong--it was exciting to see where the Queen lives and great to see icons like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, but all-in-all I found London a bit average. Part of that could be that it looked so much like parts of the eastern United States, I felt like I'd seen a lot of this type of architecture and buildings before. Plus, I made the grievous mistake of comparing it to Paris. I was quite disappointed to find Buckingham Palace surrounded by asphalt. Compared to Versailles, it was rather plain. 

Buckingham Palace : London, UK

That said, though, I loved London for its shopping and dining, both of which are fabulous! And, in all fairness, we only did touristy stuff one day, so we didn't have time to visit museums like the National Portrait Gallery or the Victoria and Albert Museum or take tours of the Tower of London or Buckingham or take in a show. I'm not writing off London entirely as one of Europe's cool cities to visit. I'll be going back. But for this trip, the photos and the limited time we spent, I am sure, do not do justice to this great city.

The Queen's Coat of Arms : Gates of Buckingham Palace : London, UK

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/11