Buckingham Palace

La verdad es que me esperaba mucho mas de Buckingham. No puede ver el cambio de guardia porque ese dia justamente no lo hacian,pero todo el mundo me ha dicho que deja mucho que desear. El Palacio me parecio muy pequeño. Es una visita obligada en Londres,pero no fue de las que mas me gusto.La proxima vez que vaya seria uno de los pocos sitios que no volveria visitar,me parecio una copia pequeña del Palacio Real de Madrid.

We went to the State Rooms today, which included the gardens. We did not pay extra for the tour that included the Mews and Queen's Gallery. The audio guide was very helpful, and very clever at keeping everyone moving through the rooms at a good pace ("Now take a look at the clock at the far end of the room..." and then you were through the doorway to the next room).

Instead of seeing examples of HMQ's couture as in earlier posts, we saw the ballroom set up for a state dinner (HMQ has hosted 77 of them). The video production showing the room being set up, and all the preparation that goes into such a dinner was fascinating. The table settings were beautiful, and arranged with precision that is mind-boggling.

I was disappointed that more descriptions of the art weren't included in the audio guide. I was curious to know more about the display of a painting of Mrs. Jordan--when I was in the National Portrait Gallery yesterday, I learned she was an actress who was also the mistress of one of the kings (can't recall which one). I would have loved to know more about the sculptures and furniture, as well.

I was also disappointed that the tour of the gardens was actually a walk down the path to the exit, so there really wasn't a lot to see, as the other paths in the garden have been blocked off.

I was glad of the opportunity to go on the tour, seeing as HMQ is away from home, as my next visit may not coincide with her absence.

Definitely one of the cooler places I have been to. The palace is very beautiful and there is a lot of history that is well explained with the included audio guide. Downside is that there isn’t really that much to see (I was done in under two hours) and it isn’t really that cheap. There are also no pictures allowed inside.

I strongly suggest that you buy tickets on-line before hand so you skip some of the lines or go really early in the morning. Make sure you check out the big area in front of the palace, good picture spot. Overall, strongly recommended unless you are on a tight budget.