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Despite having traveled through London many times, we have rarely taken the time to go and do some sightseeing. Orla wanted to see the Crown Jewels (a danger sign perhaps) so it was off to the Tower!...
This was the yeoman (one of the Beefeaters guards) that gave us a guided tour of the grounds. He was very entertaining and worked well with a very diverse crowd. Orla and he are standing outside the White Tower which is at the center of the complex and dates back to 1067. It was an official royal residnce until very recent times.
This is where they keep the crown jewels. You are not allowed to photograph inside so all I can say is that they are well worth seeing! The Cullinan diamond is absolutely huge and is only one of a spectacular gems that have been collected over the centuries.
It's sometimes difficult to realize how rich the history of England really is until you are face-to-face with it. This is the actual suit of armor that Henry the Eighth wore. Obviously a well-endowed chap, he has left his mark on the history of the tower with the beheading of several of his wives after complaining that they talked too much (no comment).
Just a quick tour around the other major sites - this is the Forth of Firth bridge across the Tiber which runs through the heart of London.
Big Ben keeps time in the center of London for all of those people without a watch.
The House of Commons is quite an impressive building and is impeccably preserved.
Westminster Abbey is also quite spectacular - the scene of Princess Diana's wedding.
And to round off a very enjoyable tour, we also managed to meet up with Orla's sister-in-law, Eva and her nieces Fiona and Karen. Between the fur and the glamour, I thought I was in the middle of a Gucci advert! |
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