London (Day 2)

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

London (Day 2)

After we got another awesome breakfast by Judy today, we headed back into London to enjoy the infamous Tower of London. We started out by joining a guided tour given by the Yeoman Warders, which you would know them as Beefeaters. They got pretty gruesome with all the tales of public and private beheadings, including Margaret Pole (executed only because Henry VIII couldn’t find her son) who tried to run away during her execution and the axe man took 15 swings to finish her off. The tour finished up in St. Peter ad Vincula (St. Peter in Chains). It is still used as a chapel for the over 120 current residents and where all but one of the unfortunate people were beheaded are buried.

Going to the Tower of London is more than just one tower to look at if you have no clue about it. It is composed of several fortified walls with towers on the corners. There was also a large courtyard with different buildings to go in. We walked into the rooms along the outside wall and saw King Edward I bedchamber as it might have been set up back in his days. They also had rooms of were his throne sat and were he discussed military tactics and laws with others. Then we made our way into White Hall in the middle of the courtyard full of displays. They had weapons, armor, historical exhibits as well as hands on exhibits on display. It was quite extensive. As we made our way out the building we looked into the courtyard and saw several black ravens trying to run, hop, skip, and fly at the same time. The ravens were special birds put there with their wings’ clipped. Legend has it if the ravens fly away from the Tower of London, the Tower and the monarchy would crumble. We felt sorry for them when there were pigeons all around them flying away.

We took a rest and ate lunch in courtyard. Then we saw the coolest thing ever…the crown jewels. The crown jewels were displayed in separate cases. Alongside the cases was a conveyer belt to stand on as you looked at the crowns. That was such a great idea because it kept the line moving. Anyways the jewels were amazing, I have never seen anything like it. Nevertheless, I’m not jealous in the least bit…Tim said is going to get me jewels like those, but I would have to wait until our 25^th anniversary.

After the Tower of London, we headed to St. Paul Cathedral. This is where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married. It was absolutely huge! We took a brief look inside because tickets were $20 per person. Granted, near the end of the tour they took you to the top of the dome where you can stand outside and see all of London. Still not worth $20. Next we made our way to Hyde Park for some ice cream and a nap. It was well timed out because Malinda was running on fumes by the time we made it there. We then headed back to John and Judy’s place for dinner and bed.