London - August 21, 2010

2nd day in London.  We got up this morning anticipating rain, however I'm happy to report that it never came.  Late in the day we had a mild spritzing, but that was it.  Still cool and windy, but very comfortable.  Saw people in fall/winter type jackets.  We were in shorts and tshirts.  I guess it's just what you are used to.

First stop today was Buckingham Palace.  Sorry to say that no pictures are allowed within the walls.  You aren't even allowed to carry your camera on you..had to go in a bag.  I did take a few from the outside.  As you can imagine, it's a very large place.  Some 700 employees within the walls to serve the Royal Family.  Wandering through the 14 rooms accessible you have to wonder if their living quarters are anything like these rooms.  They show you the rooms that are used for entertaining.  Saw the room where Prince William was baptized.  Very beautiful...lots of gold overlays.  There was a special exhibit of the life of the Queen including a beautiful diamond/pearl tiara wore by Her Majesty on some royal occasion. 

As you exit the palace you stroll over an acre of the 30 acre garden and lake.  Again, beautiful although I have to say not nearly as colorful as other parks we've seen here.

We tried to see the changing of the guard, but since we were in the palace when it started we couldn't get close enough to the festivities to even snap a good picture.  That's on the ToDo list for next time. 

Our next stop was to be the Tower of London, however the "tube" (subway) line we needed didn't today so we decided to walk. Not sure if that was a good idea or bad. In total it's about 4 miles to the Tower. We took a detour and went to St. Paul's Cathedral (where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married). The church is beautiful. A highlight of the church is the 530 step climb to the top. The view of London is beautiful. I'm constantly amazed at the old and new architecture and how they co-exist. In the crypt of the church we also saw where Florence Nightingale is buried as well as Horatio Nelson.

The climb to the top of the Church was very tight and very claustrophobic, but yes I made it!  Well worth the climb.

View from St. Paul's Cathedral

Off we then went to the Tower of London.  Since we had spent more time than anticipated traveling here, we were short on time to experience it.  We got through 3 towers with many, many more to see including the Crown Jewels.   A definite on the next trip.  The Tower was constructed over time beginning somewhere around 1100.  It's quite the combination of materials, stones, bricks, tudor wood.  We probably could have spent at least a half day here if not more.  Very interesting stuff including executions done there as recent as WW1.  Again, there was an entire tower dedicated to the prison/executions but we didn't make it through there....this time. 

Big Ben Parliament from London Eye

Next stop was the London Eye.  Essentially a very large ferris wheel that allows you to see London from even a higher vantage point.  The sights were beautiful and again the amazing part to me is the old and new buildings together.  I've taken many pictures of Big Ben and Parliament.  While it's no where near the largest or biggest building here, it is an impressive sight, especially from the air. 

We walked back to the hotel area and found a pub for dinner.  Had to have some traditional fish and chips for dinner.  It was fun to sit and watch/listen to the locals.  Young and old alike hanging out here.  Pubs are on just about every corner around here also.  This one was the Bag O Nails. 

Tomorrow we are off to the ship.  We leave here at 11:00 to arrive around 1:00 at Southhampton.  Can't wait to see the Crown Princess again.  Alan is looking forward to his cruise food.  I haven't heard great things about internet access on ship, but again I will do my best.  Hope this finds all our friends and family well at home!