Honeymoon- Day 11- London

Cappuccinos and croissants around the corner at South River Coffee.

This is a better representation of the Underground.  We waited for the next train before boarding.  It is amazing how close people can stand to the doors without blocking them.  You think there is no room, and you are barely inside, and then someone steps on behind you.  Craziness.  

The daily grind.

Our first stop is the Tower of London, located on the left.

We walked over the London Bridge to get there. 

You may be thinking, who cares if it is falling down, but that is because the song was written when the bridge was much more elaborate.  The old London Bridge (1209-1831) had hundreds of buildings- houses, shops and even latrines that emptied directly into the water below.  And just to take it to the next level, the English used to display the heads of traitors on pikes at the south gate.  William Wallace's head was put on view here in 1305.

After buying our Tower of London tickets, we rushed over to the Crown Jewels before it got too crowded.  The royal ceremonial regalia has been protected here for over 600 years.  You aren't allowed to take any pictures inside, and when you walk into the room you go through a thick vault door.  It is fascinating to see that kind of wealth displayed.  

Nothing says safe like a ridiculously tall bearskin cap.

The Tower of London was a prison from 1100 to 1952.  Prisoners names and writings are carved all over the tower walls.

Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) are also on duty to protect the jewels.  In order to become a Beefeater you have to have served in the military for over 22 years, becoming a warrant officer, and have received a good conduct metal.  After all that you get this sweet uniform (sewn with gold thread!), oh, and you get to live at the Tower of London with your family.

Hundreds of years ago the Beefeaters were a lot more intimidating, with their access to an array of torture devices.

Exotic animals used to live in the tower, including an elephant and a polar bear that was allowed to fish in the Thames.  Most of the animals didn't live very long because no one knew how to care for them.  The artist rendition of the smoking baboon paints a pretty clear picture of their lack of knowledge.  

The queen's house, behind us, was built in 1530.

We only have one full day in London, so we are making the most of it.  

Next on the agenda is the British Museum, which has over eight million different works, documenting the story of human culture from the very beginning to present time.

The most modern part of the museum starts outside, with the Instagram model, twirling around behind us.  Culture has really gone downhill.

Carved in 196 BC, the Rosetta Stone has been at the British Museum since 1802.

Super cute baby bottle.

Basically the enormous collection is one huge reminder of Britain's powerful role in colonization.  All this stuff didn't collect itself...

African throwing knifes.

Right next to the Ritz is the Wolseley, where we have a reservation for afternoon tea.

Eric got a pot of jasmine and I couldn't help but get English breakfast.

I purposefully didn't finish the sandwiches because I didn't want to fill up on that when there are warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of petite desserts!

Nope, our day is not over yet.  We only have today so we are going hard.

Next, we went to the House of Parliament, where men wear wigs and shout at each other.  

The only way to go in was to say we were hear to watch the debate in the House of Lords.  So obviously, that is exactly what we were there to do, traveling all the way from California for the big debate.

You can't take pictures where the debates occur.  There is a cloak room just outside the main room, for all of your belongings, including cell phones.  It was a lot more subdued than I imagined.  There was a gentleman arguing against an electricity tax, saying things like, "thank you, My Lords, for this opportunity to speak with you all.  It is always such an enjoyable time..."  But there was a man with a beautiful grey, curly wig.  We are very happy to have the opportunity to go inside.

Big Ben was a Big Bummer.

Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate (among others) were married.

And for the grand finale of our London speed tour, Eric is making a crank call in a famed red telephone box.