Milligan's update

After her visit to London Greg's mom wrote a little summary of her experience, here it is word for word...

My London Experience

After exchanging money, going through customs, getting my luggage and finally my return train ticket to Victoria Station I was on my way to meet Gregory and Duke. I got on the train in first class which I didn't stay for long. After arriving at Victoria Station (30 min) I see Gregory and Duke, which was an incredible sight. Then I learn for the first time about the terrorist plot. Now I know why we sat on the tar mat for so long before getting to our gate. We were told it was a conveyor belt issue!!! Now we are headed to Gregory, Karen and Duke's new home(mews). I am in awe over all I am seeing and thrilled the temp is about 75 degrees. I am not sure the distance of our walk but the company certainly made it shorter. Duke is improving daily with his walking skills. We arrive at the mews and I am still in awe over the sights Gregory is pointing out and having no clue what is ahead of me for this visit. Karen is home and has been under the weather for several days and is getting better. Sure is great to see her. Their home is small as you have heard but they have adapted to the needs of their family. I took about a 6 hour nap. I would suggest if coming to London try to change your sleep hours prior to coming so you don't need that long of a jet lag nap. That evening we went to Grenadier and the crowd was too large so we went then to The Wilton Arms pub a few steps from their Mews. I had fish and chips!!! The beer is not as cold as we are a custom too. Forget about ICE!!! Definitely a luxury. Smoking is allowed but no mobiles.... Crowds of people pour out in the streets of some of the pubs( I guess for space and no smoke). The draft beer is poured into a glass with the name of the type of beer you order. The window boxes at many of the pubs have gorgeous flowers (incredible petunias).

Oh, Duke has his own storm drain that he frequents...

The first day out and about Gregory and I did a walking tour(Rick Steve's book). However, we started our walk from their home. We added a lot of territory to this walk and saw a lot of history on our way. When we reached the Thames (Tim's) river we actually began the tour. We saw on this walk Buckingham Palace, Queen Victoria Memorial, St James's Park, Wellington Barracks (headquarters for the Queen's guards. Then ahead of us I start to see Big Ben(an awesome sight). Then there is the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Margaret's church, Winston Churchill monument. Oh the sights are exquisite. We continue the walk and we see the London Eye built for the millennium celebration. As we continue this walk we head down the street towards Trafalgar square. We come to Downing Street (see a protestor), then Horse Guards Parade(where the queen's birthday is celebrated), we then see the Banqueting House. Then we arrive at Trafalgar square. We then go to the National Gallery(absolutely worth the time and get the audio tour). We then have lunch at a Pub and begin our way home by Tube. Incredible day. I recommend this to everyone.

During my stay I visited Hyde Park, Princess Diana's monument, Changing of the Guards, The Clarence House, Tower of London(Ceremony of the Keys), Borough Market, Tate Modern, Covent Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral(Gregory and I walked up into the dome...), Tower Bridge(from the Tower of London), British Museum, National Portrait Gallery(not that great), Brompton Church(can't remember the name), Burberry, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, British Breakfast and a play( seven brides for seven brothers), and the day before I left we went to LBS where Karen will be attending school and then took the train to Windsor to Windsor Castle. Duke had a dog walker for the day while we were gone.

The sights were incredible, however, doing the day to day things with Gregory and Karen were the most special. I had the chance to see how they live day to day. A trip just to get dog food required a piece of luggage to bring it back. Playing with Duke in Hyde Park. A walk to the grocery store. Enjoying meals prepared by Karen (Great Cook). Seeing excitement on their faces when I brought Peanut butter, Woolite, zip lock bags, ice trays, and powder Gatorade. I think I did pretty well keeping up with them(they are such athletes) with all the walking. By the time I was to leave I had figured out the tube stops( underground transportation). Get an Oyster card for 7 days(if you are there for the length of time) to get around in the tubes.

This was a trip I will never forget. And it was great to catch up with the Kids (Gregory, Karen and Duke)

Love,
MOM/Anna