Hello and Happy New Year to all! I hope that each of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, love and laughter. As we are thrust into 2014, I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief (and slight panic) at another year gone.

Since we aren’t getting any younger and there’s so much to see in the world, the hubby and I decided to take a mini Euro trip right before the holidays. Our itinerary included 10 days split between London, Paris and Amsterdam.

First, some highlights from the fascinating, charming, historically-rich city of London…enjoy!

Chapter 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Chapter 2: Westminster Abbey (no cameras inside), Parliament & Big Ben

Chapter 3: South Bank with London Eye & Tate Modern

 

Chapter 4: The Tower of London

This royal palace and fortress held the executions of many a famous Englanders including King Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Guarded over by Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters – where the gin got its name), the Tower is the home of The Crown Jewels and served as the residence to Kings and Queens for nearly 500 years. Its brutal yet fascinating history is superceded only by its impressive architecture and still-fully-functioning role in the modern British monarchy.

A Yeoman Warder aka Beefeater. Guards of the tower/amazing tour guides

    Unfortunately no cameras allowed inside. But take my word for it, they’re STUNNING.

    Look closely…I think there’s a ghost from the Tower walking through our shot.