We arrived at London Heathrow aboard Virgin Atlantic on-time at 9:25 AM. Since we just here in July, it seems a bit of deja vu. After clearing immigration and collecting our luggage, we searched for and quickly located our driver for the ride into town. He took us directly to our hotel, the Great Northern Hotel which is located directly across the street from St Pancras (and Kings Cross) Station. Despite being early, our room was ready, so we freshened up before heading out on the town.
We first went to see Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red by ceramic artist Paul Cummins at the Tower of London. One ceramic poppy has been “planted” for each British war death during World War I – a total of 888,246 poppies in all. We visited the sight in progress back in late July when we were here for our last trip. It was quite impressive then and even more so now. The first ceramic poppy was planted on July 17th. The last day to view the completed site is today, November 11th, variously noted as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in the UK and as Veteran’s Day in the USA. Tomorrow the dismantling of the display will begin. Each of the poppies will then be delivered to its buyer. All the poppies have been sold to raise money for six charities providing support to service personnel, veterans and their families. The British government has waived collection of VAT on the sales, a gesture that will increase the amount to be received by the charities by more than £1.1 million.
CLICK ON PICS FOR LARGER VERSION IN NEW TAB OR WINDOW
One of the best web sites for other pictures of the exhibition is here.
Then it was lunch at the nearby Hung, Drawn and Quartered Pub. Nothing like a good pie and a pint of beer for lunch for weary travelers. And we had a nice chat with a Brit who was enjoyed a glass of wine (or two).
Then we returned to our room at the Great Northern. Dinner tonight will be at nearby Kings Cross Railway Station in the Parcel Yard Pub located right within the station. It gets good reviews. See our review tomorrow.
Sounds like an awesome day in London! I’m sure you’ll sleep well tonight after your red-eye flight.
Have a beer for me (London Pride)!
Cheerio…
Great to hear that you arrived in London. Love the pictures of the poppies as Elaine and I have talked about the site. Imagine, those were only British deaths. Safe travels you two. Missing the luggage pics and the envelope pics in the luggage (family joke). Stay safe my love to you both. CiCi
Beautiful poppies indeed. Glad you arrived safely. What no Joe pic??? Thank you for your service!