Changing of the Guard

We got touristy yesterday. Yep. I decided that if we were living here, we needed to take advantage of the cultural things he can be learning while not in school (school...that is a different story!). When I say "I," I mean, a sweet friend reminded me that even if Wiley is not in school currently, he will learn a lot just from being in this city. (Thanks, friend.) However, w must exit the flat to learn from the city. So, after confirming that the Changing of the Guard at Buckling-ham Palace is on odd days currently, we wrapped up (It is suddenly cold here) and were headed to the tube station. We arrived a bit early, and we were able to get relatively close. The sweetest Australian couple was standing by us, and they helped move Wiley up to the fence between a Frenchwoman and a German woman. Don't worry, I could see him, and hold onto him. We waited about 45 minutes. It was cold. And kind of boring. Wiley entertained our neighbors. It is funny how the language barrier doesn't apply to 3 year olds. They were laughing and smiling (and saying stuff in German) at him as he made faces. He does this on the tube as well. And the bus. We make friends wherever we go with Wiley. That "don't talk to me-look at me-make faces at me-get near me-sit quietly and stare straight ahead" rule on public transportation does not apply to Wiley-man. That, too, is another story...or a few stories.

Anyway...back to the guards...

Finally, they started marching in. With a band. Who knew?

They lined up in their rows. A few lines had to be straightened out a bit, which surprised me. Wiley (and Dinosaur Dinosaur pictured below) thought it was funny too when the guards had to shuffle backwards to get in line.

There was a bit of shuffling around, checking out the guard house thing they stand in front of, a constant marching of the flags back and forth in front of the Palace, and then the band played some tunes. Our new Aussie friend noted that they were looking at sheet music while playing (they had music stands and everything); you would think they would have memorized the songs since they do it every other day? Maybe they take turns and it is a lot to memorize in addition to trying to be in straight lines (more challenging than one might think, apparently?)

So, we listened and watched. Then we watched the Metropolitan Police on horseback. The Police had already hollered out that there are "thieves operating in the area, and to guard your bags and belongings carefully." This small town girl was quite paranoid! Finally, Wiley had had enough. I don't know if I ever saw the guard in front of the palace actually change. Does he change? Who are the other soldiers lined up in rows? Are they coming in too? I wished I had someone to explain it to me! I think we saw the Grenadier Guard since the plumes were white.

Here is a website where you can read about what we saw!

Bottom line: Wiley likes guards, so he was happy. After standing there for an hour, he was not happy. This is good for little boys or those who like guards. However, I'm not sure I will be returning to see it. It is obviously a neat tradition, but awfully touristy and a bit hard to see or understand the whole picture. Maybe do your research before going? And it starts at 11:30. You should be there by 10:45 if you want to be near the fence to see, I think. And no, we weren't in jail. We were by the fence. And yes, Dinosaur Dinosaur had a grand time, too.

{Sidenote: Before the ceremony started/as we were walking up to the Palace, a taxi pulled in. The people got out and went into the Palace. Now, how you go anywhere is up to you--tube, taxi, bus, plane, train whatever. But if I am getting to go into Buckling-ham Palace, I am coming in a sleek car. Maybe a Rolls Royce. A classic, vintage one. Maybe I'd stoop to a BMW? But certainly, not a taxi (although currently taxis are a luxury for us!). I mean, come on. You are going to Buckling-ham Palace. Arrive in style! }