Welcome to the United Kingdom!

Luigi’s visit to the United Kingdom could not have come at a more auspicious time. We’re so excited that London is the host city of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
.

We are welcoming 148 nations from around the world celebrating their finest Olympians talents. Throughout the summer up to fifty million visitors will attend Britain and attend the 302 events commencing on July 27 and culminate in a closing spectacular on August 12^th. 

.

But if this weren’t exciting enough, 2012 is The Diamond Jubilee of our reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The celebratory events of Her Golden Jubilee were so spectacular I cannot even fathom how we’re going to top it in this celebration. 

.

On Monday June 4, The Queen is inviting ten thousand of her loyal subjects to attend an open concert. The event is being held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace and all those invited will receive a personal picnic hamper prepared especially for the event. To ensure a fair distribution of invitations we have been requested to either write or email The Palace indicating our interest in attending.

.

Even if we’re not successful in gaining tickets to The Palace, we’ll still be able to celebrate, just as we did during the Jubilee when over a Million people surrounded The Palace to offer their best wishes. The Mall was overflowing – all the way from The Palace to Trafalgar Square and I have no doubt it will be the same this time! 

.

We cordially extend our heartfelt invitation for you to visit us and join in our festivities. There’s no need to worry as we will have tourism specialists stationed throughout the city serving as translators, to help visitors pronounce words such as Leicester Square, Worcestershire, Chaise Longue, and Aluminium… and of course toilets! (Far too many times an innocent yet helpful British Citizen has unintentionally sent a tourist to the Salvation Army Centre for a place to rest.

.

If you are unable to attend the festivities here there will also be celebrations occurring around the world. Two Thousand and twelve beacons will be lit, started by Her Majesty and continuing throughout the Commonwealth. 

.

As we stepped off the Heathrow Express at Paddington Station we noticed Luigi’s fascination with the myriad of eateries. We were waiting for the train to East Sussex when he asked if he might try one of the treats on offer. We couldn’t resist. So, in our next posting look forward to hearing about Luigi’s culinary experience! Mary thinks Luigi has become hooked on some of our simple dishes!

.

And as you americans say:

.

Vi auguriamo una buona giornata!

Posted from Fr Bill's Collection TH