Rhondda arrived with us on Monday 23rd June 2014 after a long Malaysian Airlines flight. You can see I was so excited to see her my hands were shaking!

After a good night's sleep, Rhondda explored our house and garden and ventured as far as the shops in Orpington High Street to co some chores - mending glasses, sorting out her phone etc.

The main treat for Tuesday was dinner at The Ritz so we got all poshed up and caught the train into town.

A stroll through Trafalgar Square on the way to the Ritz.

This must be one of the most photographed statues in London, on the corner of Haymarket and Piccadilly.

Back home to bed because we had a busy day lined up for Wednesday.

First stop the Shard. Rhondda had admired the Shard last time she was over but they were still building it. Now complete and the Viewing platform open, it seemed an ideal place to visit.

You go in two very speedy lifts to get to Floor 68. From there you climb stairs to Floor 69 for some amazing views. We were lucky with the weather and could see for miles.

It was Wimbledon fortnight while Rhondda was in London and the Shard had some kind of promotion on. Rhondda was keen to join in.

From Floor 69 you can climb a few more stairs and get to Floor 72. Part of this floor is open to the sky if you look up.

The Shard team were all very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

I heard a loud squeal and wondered what was going on. Rhondda had opened the door to go to the loo to see this wonderful view.

Back on the ground and there was a lovely rainbow to admire before moving on.

Next point of interest was a quick stroll through Borough Market on our way to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (outside only). Just a tiny contrast between the newness of the Shard and the old age of the Globe.

Time for a rest for our feet and some lunch at Zizzi's on Bankside.

We had a river view so could enjoy watching the boats go past.

We wandered along the South Bank, enjoying the varied views along the way.

Whitehall was our next destination.

We'd been on the London Eye last time Rhondda was in London (2012) so a photo had to be taken.

Rhondda was surprised at how heavy the helmet was.

It's not all glitz and ceremonial duties - there's real life soldiering to be done as well.

Museum visited, we went outside to look at Horseguards Parade while we waited for the daily inspection to begin.

While the sign might not seem too welcoming, the people on the ground were friendly enough.

Time for some greenery so we enjoyed a stroll in St. James's Park.

As we were only a few minutes walk from Buckingham Palace we just had to go and take a photo of it.

A quick shopping trip to John Lewis's finished our London visit. Time to go home, pick some peas and broad beans, pod them and put them in the freezer before bed and Rhondda's journey north to join her family.

The main purpose of Rhondda's visit was to go to Margaret and Antonio's wedding. She managed to keep her visit a secret from the rest of the family right up to the wedding itself.

Margaret getting ready!

Off they went on Honeymoon, leaving Rhondda and Wendy to look after things.

Catching up with Wendy, Denise and Cherril (who, I think have got over the shock by now!)

A few days in the caravan was called for. Hopefully the erosion of the coast won't come this far back in the camp site.

Then it was time to head back to London. We enjoyed some time with John and Margaret before heading home to get ready for our big day the next day. We were booked to go to The Tower of London. The weather was set fair and all was well.

We caught the train to London Bridge and walked along the Southbank (Queen's Walk) past City Hall.

Thankfully there were still some ravens at the Tower.

Steve, above, was a great tour guide. Informative and interesting and full of stories.

Followed by the Old Bailey

Staying with a court theme, this was our next stop.

No photos allowed inside which was a shame because it was lovely. We tagged onto the end of a guided tour and went into The Lord Chief Justice's Court before being told that the tour was private and we shouldn't be there.

Off we went again, this time to Covent Garden.

We enjoyed watching the street entertainment (after indulging in an ice cream).

Our next destination was Leicester Square so a quick stroll through Chinatown

Dinner was at The Criterion Restaurant.

Finally time to go home, pack and get ready for an early start for the airport on the Friday. One last glimpse of The Shard from the train.

Rhondda flew with Malaysian Airlines and arrived safe and sound on the Saturday after a long flight home.

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