My first day arriving in London I went straight to Buckingham Palace. I’m not really sure why but when I was in Washington DC I went straight to the White House it was the only address I knew. Unfortunately there are no tours of the of the rooms until the summer months but there is always Kensington Palace. 

Knowing the Brexit protest was planned the next day, I chose to visit nearby landmark, Trafalgar Square, known for the Admiral Nelson column. Interestingly, more people die climbing the lions surrounding the column than those six who perished from the Great Fire of 1666. Westminster Abbey was my next stop, not as a visitor but as a worshipper. My iPhone put away, as I lit a candle for my Catholic Mom and stayed for mass. The Westminster choir composed of boys and men, from all over the world and schooled at the Abbey. That night I watched the wedding of Kaye and Prince William, recognizing the details of the church.Stumbled on to the National Gallery that was open until 9pm, walked right in, a free museum! Purchased an audio guide that followed the most logical, well marked museum rooms, highlighting the essential paintings. Starting with the Renaissance painters of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rafael and Titian. Representing Rubens to the Dutch, Rembrandt to the Impressionist painters of France. A wonderful selection of paintings reflecting the British love of arts and culture.