Merry Old England - Take 5

The remains of an actual Roman wall....it's HISTORY, people!

Tower of London. I wonder if they take boarders...

Tower Bridge. Imagine having this scenery on your morning jog.

Inside White Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1066, I spied something distinctly modern. Had a great chat with a Beefeater guard. They are stationed various places and are founts of knowledge. This structure was built out of replica weapons as a statement piece. The dragon is a symbol of London.

One of the trademark ravens. Legend says that if the ravens ever leave, the tower will fall. I guess that's why their wings are clipped.

We are finally into the third day of the trip! I was probably over the jet lag, by now.

Originally we were scheduled to see Westminster Abbey in the morning, but they contacted us saying an event had been scheduled; we could come at 2:30  for one hour. So we hit the Tower in the a.m. I had not realized it was like a little city. Besides holding prisoners, they coined money, made armaments, posted letters, all kinds of stuff.

Oh yes....also saw the crown jewels! Naturally we couldn't take pictures. And I was surprised to discover they comprised more than "just" crowns. The punch bowl was extraordinary.

Most unfortunately, when we got to Westminster that afternoon, the sign said "closed." I guess since they'd already had a function that day, they simply decided to keep her closed all afternoon. Well, I'm not over here every day :-(  Something of a bitter disappointment, since there are several famous people buried there, but I reminded myself of the many sites we did see. At present I am only the teensiest bit bitter so I have made progress.

More stuffs next time on Ma's whirlwind tour :-D

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