Paris

Here we are back in Paris again with Brent and Sandra for a weekend visit. Julie and I risked our lives to get this picture of the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the famous Champs Elysees. The Arch was built by Napoleon in 1806. Underneath lies the WWI Tomb of the unknown Soldier. The Champs Elysees is about a mile and 1/2 of the most expensive real estate in Europe. With the shopping that brings in people from everywhere in the world. The Champs is also the stage for the final leg of the Tour de France bicycle race each year.

Rome

After 4 days of touring the city of London, seeing the sights and riding the tubes and trains, Brent and Sandra gave us a break and went to Rome. I'm glad they took advantage of their time here and were able to go to Italy. This is shot of them at the Vatican City in front of St. Peter's Basilica, and what a great close up picture of the Pope as they got to attend a Wednesday mass that was open to the public. I wish we could have been there with them as they were seated about 20 feet away from the Pope. He said bits of the mass in 8 different languages.

Another Party

People have a hard time understanding why we like to move so much. Here's why......It's the Parties! We now have settled in at our new London flat after 2 weeks. Some of our wonderful friends in Guildford put on a Sunday afternoon going away party for us. Lucky for our guests, they got to join us. Thanks to our concierge and great friend Simon, (sleeping on the right) we have been honored to meet and get to know so many fine people. When you can come home everyday and be greeted by your neighbors, that is what makes it a real home. Now we can start over again with a 'flat' warming party and meet a new bunch of mates. If your life is a little dull and you want to spice it up a bit, try moving a few times. You won't regret it!

London Sights

I guess I'm getting to be a regular tour guide and picture taker. Here is Brent and Sandra in front of the Historic Westminster Abbey. What you can't see but really need to appreciate is me laying on the ground in the pigeon muck, to get this picture with the entire church in the background. We did get to tour the Abbey and had to make a stop at the London Ice bar, which is one of our favorite spots.

Wicked

This is West Londons # 1 Broadway show, and most successful musical. This is the untold story of the Witches of Oz, and how one came to be called "good" and the other "wicked". This show was loaded with shocks, special effects, and incredible costumes. We took this show in with Brent and Sandra on Saturday afternoon.

Buckingham Palace

This is the Palace of the Queen in Central London, and is a huge tourist attraction. We fought our way in to see the Changing of the Guards with about 3000 other visitors. The view wasn't the best but we got a few pictures of the guards, and one of Brent and Sandra in front of the Palace gates.

Brent and Sandra

Now we finally get a visit from Son..Brent and wife Sandra. Although we will miss our only Grandchild Kiana, we will have some fun hosting more US visitors. Our first day was a sunny clear day so we viewed the city from the London Eye, about 400 feet high. We don't yet have Internet service in our new flat so Brent and I went to this Internet cafe to catch up on e-mails. It's quite a lively place as you can see.