On the 20th, we decided to head back to the Tower of London. We'd driven by on the bus the day before, but hadn't had the time to stop and actually go in. We still had a free one way cruise on the Thames, so were able to take a boat from right next to Parliament up to the Tower. Pictures 1-3 were taken on the way to the boat.
Once inside the Tower, we joined a Beefeater Tour. It was nearly impossible to hear, but we did manage to get a couple pictures of said Beefeater, and the sites he pointed out to us, which included the spot where Anne Boleyn was executed, and the chapel where Lady Jane Grey was buried. The Tower ravens were hanging out amidst that, knowing full well that they were the center of attention. (Pictures 4-35) After that, we got in the obligatory look at the crown jewels (and tons, and tons of gold), which were indeed impressive.
Our next stop was inside the White Tower, where we got a look at a number of cool and/or interesting suits of armor (evidently, we needed more proof that Henry VIII had an enormous ego). [Pictures 36-46] Unfortunately, we were then caught in a rash of cranky holidaying children, and were forced to flee before we ran someone over.
The pictures of the HMS Belfast (47-48) were taken for our neighbor Roger's benefit. He served in WWII, and was taken through the HMS Belfast on a bolt by bolt tour by a follow soldier who had also served in the war.
We had lunch at our favorite named pub of the trip - the Hung, Drawn and Quartered (49) - later to be featured in a Pubs or Scrubs game on BBC6. (Anyone that gets that reference other than Patrick gets a gold star!)
We headed back to Karen's flat by way of the Great Fire Memorial, and Covenant Garden, where were saw some buskers doing an interesting not so high wire act. (Pictures 50-57)
That night, finally fed up with our tiny bed, we checked out of our hotel (a day early), and brought our stuff to Karen's. She had graciously offered to give up her bed to use for the entire trip, but we hadn't wanted to kick her out of her bed for the whole week. I have to say, it actually wasn't a bad place. I'd just recommend checking in at a more reasonable hour so you don't get the very last room. The breakfast was quick handy. Simple, but filling, and you can't beat that when it's free.
