Africa by way of London

Flexibility was preached prior to our trip, and we were tested during transit.  Our flights to Kenya being cancelled and rescheduled meant a 12-hour layover in London, during the Summer Olympics.  You can imagine the controlled-chaos at Heathrow and the hour and a half it took us to get through immigration.  I'm glad our team took the extra time and ventured out of the airport to enjoy 6 hours of London.  This also gave us the opportunity to get to know one another in small groups.  My group was lead by Ernie, and we were joined by Jesse, Ashley B., Beth, and Hannah.

The Ritz was the first thing we saw while stepping out of the tube.

Buckingham Palace...we looked for Prince Harry, but never found him.

Ashlie and Ernie, our fearless and patient team leaders 

As we were walking towards Buckingham Palace, we noticed that the street was blocked off and then saw a couple of women cyclers speed by.  So, I guess we went to the Summer Olympics!

 Jesse and I at Buckingham Palace

 Statue in front of Buckingham Palace

 We walked through a gorgeous park on our way to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Harrods.

 Westminster Abbey

 Big Ben

Our next stop was Harrod's, where our group dined at the Bistro compliments of Momma Beth.  Here's Jesse enjoying her strawberries and cream. 

 I had the most fabulous cappuccino with Brioche toast with preserves.

After we finished eating, we walked around the "food court", which is more like Fresh Market on crack.  I have never seen so much gorgeous food in my life.

Funny quote #1 of the trip came from Beth in Harrod's.  We were walking past a case of entrees and noticed a stack of generous portions Wiener Schnitzel.  Beth said to the group, "That is a huge wiener schnitzel! You will never look at one the same again!!"  

We all stopped on our tracks, looked at one another, and busted out laughing as Jesse asks what we are all thinking but not verbalizing,"A wiener or a schnitzel?"

 Although the cappuccinos in Harrod's were incredible, Beth and I hit up Starbucks for an extra caffeine kick.  (I had been awake for 26 hours at this point.)

 Our last stop was the London Bridge, in the rain, no less.  On went the ponchos, and we headed back to Heathrow to go back through security and immigration and on to our flight to Kenya.  We had a great day in London, and I think most of us were thankful that our flight to Kenya was delayed so that we could enjoy this treat before the work began.