A few days ago we attempted to utilize our Hop On Hop Off Bus tickets, but the bus was crowded, it was raining a bit, and so we bailed. Today we were determined to not only use the tickets, but to get great seats, and that we did! We headed to the first stop right around the opening time, and after a short disagreement with the attendant (he didn’t like the ticket we were originally issued by the London Eye on day 1) we were on the bus. Not only were we on the bus, but we were the first ones on the bus, and we grabbed the choicest seats – on top, in the front, and under the covered canopy!

Our tour guide for the day, Matthew Perry, hadn’t done a tour in six months, and right away we knew we were in for a treat. As the bus meandered off the traditional route to avoid some construction, we enjoyed Matt’s humor and candor about the sites and sounds of London. He did impressions, he shared his own experiences, and delivered his unique perspectives. We’ve been on these tours before, and it’s usually a dry recitation of a fact sheet. As an example, as we’re driving down the street, Matthew says, “I probably should know something proper about this statue, but I don’t…the thing I do know is that he looks like Obi Wan Kenobi.” We all agreed that Matthew “Smashed it!”

After completing a full circuit on the bus, we dismounted by Buckingham Palace. We all felt like that was “must do” on a trip to London, but we weren’t compelled to go inside this time around. After snapping a few photos, we walked up the Mall and headed toward one of the most important London Landmarks – Hamleys Toy Store!! This is where my patience was tested, because at the end of the day, it’s just a toy store. I got really lucky and was able spend a fair bit of my time speaking with a young man named Frank. We had a lovely discussion about my super outgoing children, commercial real estate in the UK and the US,  and MMA. We ended up spending about two hours in this place, and even then, everyone was mad at me when I made them go to the British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone. What can I say, I’m a jerk.

We arrived at the British Museum just a few minutes before it closed, and lucky for us, they put the Rosetta Stone on the first floor and made it really easy to visit. While the rest of the team went into the gift shop, Katie and I ran up to the Egyptian exhibit to check out the mummies! As soon as we got up there they shut it all down, which quite alright with the kids.

That evening we dined at a Fish and Chips shop, and I can say that aside from the Mushy Peas, this was a meal that everyone was pleased with. After dinner we made our way back to the flat and game planned our final day in London.

Liz and I agreed that before we left we had to see Westminster Abbey. We booked our tickets beforehand to avoid the queue, and after our slow start in the morning, we made our way to town. When we arrived we picked up four audio guides and after a few minutes of bickering we had six audio guides. As we made our way through Westminster, the kids had fun learning about the coronation traditions, visiting the tombs of kings and queens gone by, and finding familiar authors in Poet’s Corner.

Of course, it was time to eat once again, and today we got a few people out of their comfort zone at a restaurant called Itsu. It’s a British quick service restaurant offering a selection of Asian inspired dishes. We feasted on Thai Curry, Teriyaki Chicken, Ramen, and Gyoza. We all enjoyed a delicious meal, except for Charlie, who decided to starve.

After lunch we had to choose the final activity of our London adventure, and I convinced everyone to visit the Bank of England, and it was awesome! Upon arrival each kid was given an age specific worksheet, and when they were done they would get a prize. These particular worksheets were no joke, so Liz and I ran around the museum carefully reading the displays trying to point the kids in the right direction. Additionally, they had a ton of hands on activities, especially for a museum about paper money and fiscal policy. My favorite was a video game that had me controlling the sails of a ship as I navigated various macroeconomic scenarios in an effort to maintain a constant inflation rate. I also got to hold a 13 kg gold bar worth over £404,000! Once the kids completed their sheets came the best part – the prize! Much to everyone’s surprise they each got a whole bag of chocolate coins and a gold bar pin. Best prize ever!! Also, it makes sense since they have all the money!!

For our final meal in London we wanted to get a meal at a traditional pub. On a recommendation from my friend Kris we went to a place called the Cheshire Cheese. Literary giants like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle often frequented the place, and we were about to join there ranks. Only not this time. There was a big sporting event going on, so no kids were allowed inside. Liz and I had a great meal while the kids waited outside.

In reality, we went next door to a pub called The Crutched Friar (who comes up with these names) and enjoyed an awesome meal! We started with a sampler platter of sausage rolls, scotch eggs, shredded duck, and fried halloumi. For dessert we enjoyed our first Bakewell Tart (the first of many) and a carrot cake roll. I also enjoyed a pint, because you know, when in Rome…

With fully bellies and little bit of a heavy heart, we rode the Underground one last time. As I settled in I started to get nervous about tomorrow – left side of the road driving day!!