Yesterday was New Year’s Eve. We got a very late start. We did not leave the hotel until two. We went to The London Eye, so Jay could take pictures, but it was late when we arrived so we did not ride on it. It gets dark here at four. We headed back to the hotel. We ate dinner at the hotel and then got all bundled up to go watch the fireworks. I had gotten tickets for the reserved zone. We were in the red zone. We were supposed to be there between seven and 9:30. We took the tube to the Temple station. We then walked to the gate we were to use to enter. They used a metal detection wand on you. Then you went to the next station where they checked your tickets. Then at the third station they checked any bags that you were carrying. I found us a spot right next to the river, there were plenty of police around. Some were carrying powerful guns, there were police boats patrolling the river and there was helicopters flying over. There was no where to sit, so we stood there for four hours until the fireworks started. It was extremely cold, the coldest night since we were here. It was about 40 degrees. There was nothing to do while you were standing there. At about 10:30, they started playing music. Also, every tourist boat started a coming down the river. There must have been a hundred boats. the London Eye was also lit up in lights that kept changing colors. Finally it was time for the countdown. At midnight, the fireworks started. They were very beautiful. When it was over, it was time to leave and make the way back to the hotel. First we had to find the tube station, along with everyone else. We just kind of followed the crowds. The tube was very crowded, but we made it back to the hotel around 1:30 AM.
On New Year’s Day we had tickets for the grandstands. The parade started at noon. We made our way to the parade route and found our seats. We were in the first row. It was very cold, probably in the low 40’s. there were about twenty marching bands from the US. I don’t think there were any bands from England in the parade. The parade lasted for about three hours. That is a very long time to sit in the cold. After, the parade, I just wanted to go back to the hotel and get warm. after a short stay at the hotel, we went out to get supper. Then back to the hotel and I was done for the day. We are leaving the next day and I have had a good time but will be glad to get out of this cold weather.
