On day two of our London vacation, we took the train downtown to the Tower of London. We just missed the poppies which had filled the moat surrounding the Tower in honor of Remembrance Day, but we were lucky to have a sunny, clear day to enjoy.
As I mentioned earlier, we watched a film on the Tower of London. I will always find out more about each site after we return home, but having somewhat of a background on the both fascinating and terrible history of the Tower was helpful. First of all, the gates actually enclose a small community of guards and their families. Their cars and homes could be seen when overlooking the walls at certain points. Secondly, approaching such a large structure that has withstood not only the trials and tribulations of battle, but also centuries of sightseeing makes you grateful to have such an extraordinary place so well preserved. Lastly, in the film they mentioned the final execution to take place on that location occurred during World War II. The chair from this execution was on display in the White Tower. Something like a chair generally may not have captured my attention, but now I not only noticed it, but got serious chills knowing the significance it held.
There is one major advantage to traveling in the late fall, the crowds are still present yet substantially smaller than times we would normally be able to schedule vacations. The Crown Jewels exhibit was awe inspiring The jewels themselves were surreal, but the display itself was well put together with a history of royalty past and a video of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation back in 1953.
Next to the Tower of London was Tower Bridge. The mechanics of the bridge are still fully operational and it can be raised, and is regularly raised, to let ships pass through. Recently, a glass walkway was installed over the top of the bridge, a tourist attraction similar to the Sears Tower glass box back in Chicago. I don't do glass structures above extreme heights and was satisfied with walking across the bridge and taking in the spectacular elements of the iconic bridge.
In Butler's Wharf, just on the other side of the Thames River, we grabbed a late lunch. Tom needed to get his fish and chip fix (when in London!) and I was in need of a drink after such a busy morning! I opted for some sort of healthier fish meal and had a British Royale cocktail In it was apple juice, champagne, liquor, and a berry syrup. I don't particularly care for apple juice, but it was amazing.
Tower Bridge at night
Walking along the Thames, we made our way to St. Paul's Cathedral. We just missed getting inside by mere minutes, but we walked around the grounds and took in the grand silhouette against the night sky.
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