Shelly was still nervous about the car return so Dave was able to get in touch with Eurocar and verify that they did show it as checked in and everything was good. That was good news.
On Thursday we headed to the Tower of London first thing in the morning. William I built the stone White Tower in about 1100 BC to keep the Londoners in line. The Tower also served as a look out for invaders coming up the Thames. His successors enlarged it to its present size of 18 acres. It served over the centuries as a royal residence, the royal mint, the royal jewel house, and most famously as the prison and execution site of those who fell out of favor of the Crown.
Anciently to enter the Tower other than than the gate you would have to swim a 120 ft moat; cross an island prowled by wild animals and then climb another wall. Then you would have to swim a second moat and scale a second higher wall. It was difficult to get in but harder to get out in one piece if the occupants didn't like you.
We enjoyed our morning at the Tower. A Beefeater provided a short guided tour filled with interesting facts and history of the Tower. We were able to see the Crown Jewels, museum of Kings and Knights on their horses, an actual executioner's axe and block. There were many buildings that were fun to explore. The Beefeater told those of us from the colonies that all the history could have been ours if we had just paid our taxes.
Tower from the street
Tower from street (note shredded metal lions)
Entrance into the tower
Cobblestone walkway and stairs to perimeter walkway.
Queens bed chambers that were never really used they were just for show.
Kings bed chambers
London Tower Bridge
White Tower Bloody Tower
Metal baboons (real animals were used in the moats)
Guards at Crown Jewel building
They say the Tower of London is the most haunted building in the world.
Memorial where the executions were done.
Queen Anne Statue
Rosetta Stone
From the Tower we starting walking toward St. Paul's Cathedral. When we arrived there were hundreds of people sitting on the steps and grounds eating their lunch. This seemed strange until we discovered the Cathedral was closed in preparation for the Queen's birthday celebration in two days. We were not able to go in and see it. We were disappointed.
Next stop was to be the British Museum. We were all a little frustrated and tired. After a short "discussion" Shelly decided we needed to take a cab rather than walk. When we were in the cab and realized how far the museum was Shelly said "this was the best decision I have ever made!" with her husband sitting right next to her. It was a good decision, but maybe not her best ever.
The museum was HUGE! We decided it was best to go on our own rather than try to stay together. We agreed to meet out front at 4:30 (2.5 hours later). The museum had wings for Egypt, Rome etc. We also visited smaller sections for Mexico and Africa. The most interesting item we visited was the Rosetta Stone which served as the key to unlock ancient writings. We were too tired to thoroughly enjoy the exhibits and finished well before our allotted time. We met Dick outside at about 4. He must have also had enough.
Even though we were exhausted we walked to Trafalgar Square. They were preparing for a big screen presentation of an opera so we were not able to get real close.
We were able to catch our breath at dinner eating pizza. After dinner
it was off to the Lyric Theatre for our viewing of Thriller Live. Like
everyday, we got close but still managed to get lost. Shelly stopped
and asked directions and got us back on the right street. We arrived in
plenty of time to relax, have a pit stop, and enjoy the show of Michael
Jackson music and dancing. Afterwards Dave lost his contact but lucky
for him Dick found it quickly. We then took a taxi back to the hotel
and off to bed.
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