London 2017

We visited England as a side trip this year; a quick, easy flight on Ryan Air from Girona to London.  Sharon, David and Alexi were last in London in 2012 - this was Mateo's first time there!  We were so happy we got to hear Big Ben chime before repair work began later in August that will silence this iconic landmark.












Visiting Kidzania was one of the main purposes of our trip.  We first went to Kidzania in Portugal back in 2013, and we have wanted to check out the London version for several years.













At Kidzania Portugal Alexi got to try out the different jobs and activities, though Mateo was too young.  This year, Alexi and Mateo both got to learn the intricacies of different careers, work at several different jobs and earn a paycheck, and pay Kidzos (kid money) in real stores and for actual food.












Mateo and Alexi both enjoyed making chocolate, tacos and fruit smoothies, and got to enjoy and sample the fruits of their labors.











Alexi's favorite job at Kidzania Portugal was being a supermarket checkout clerk.  He reprised his role in London, with Mateo this time as the shopper and his #1 customer.

Of course their favorite careers were being futbol stars, playing soccer in a simulated stadium.  

After Kidzania it was off to 222 Vegan, one of the best vegan restaurants we have ever been to on either side of the Atlantic.

All the appetizers and entrees were scrumptious, and David said the seitan stroganoff was one of the best meals he has ever tasted in his life!

The following day we went on a tour of Buckingham Palace, visiting the State Rooms and the Gardens.  Buckingham Palace is one of the few working palaces in the world, and is only open during the end of the summer when Queen Elizabeth II is at her summer residence in Scotland.













Mateo was excited to take his first ever ride on one of London's iconic double decker buses.












We checked out vegetarian brunch at The Gate Seymour Place - huevos rancheros and vegan pancakes with assorted fruit.

Last stop in London was King's Cross Station, for all the Harry Potter fans in the family.  We got to see Platform 9 3/4, which leads to the train that takes you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

We had a wonderful 30 hours in London and then flew back to Spain in time for the Fiesta Mayor.