The Tower of London

Friday morning we arose and prepared ourselves for the rigors of a "full" English breakfast. Down to the main restaurant in the hotel where we announced ourselves and were seated. So much to choose from on the menu as well as a full continental buffet. Greg-scrambled eggs and a South African sausage (made from zebra no doubt)-Becky-poached eggs, tomato and back bacon, Katy: pancakes (yawn). On continental buffet is arranged a variety of stewed and fresh fruits, granola, juices, croissants etc. including double cream yoghurt and little packages of marmite.

After stuffing ourselves, we waddled off to the tube where Katy and Greg endured a quick lesson in "how to ride the London Underground" and we used our Oyster cards for the first time. The cards are quite convenient as one just taps the yellow button on the gates at the opening to the underground and scurry on through. Arriving at Tower Hill station, we exited and crossed over to the entrance to the Tower of London. As Aunt Becky had already pre-paid the entry tickets on line, we were able to avoid the lines and enter the imposing fortress/prison/castle. We tromped around the entire place, upstairs, downstairs looking at EVERYTHING...remember, we are traveling with Greg! Happily the ravens are still there, ensuring continuance for the Empire. We wandered on our own and had a lovely afternoon. The weather was spectacular, not too hot, blue skies, puffy clouds. The Tower is located in eastern portion of the City of London right on the river. Royalty started building the Tower in 1066 and each monarchy up to the 1700s has refurbished and remodeled. We are happy to note that the crown jewels are still in the vault on the property as well guarded well by the Queens Guards.

After a few hours of tromping around, hungry again. At a small shop outside the Tower right on the river we secured a few sandwiches and drinks and thankfully sat down for a few minutes. The Tower Bridge - a working drawbridge, was just downriver and we watched as it was drawn for several ships. After a short rest and some well deserved sustenance, we marched off along the Thames footpath in search of the Great Fire of London monument. The great fire happened recently, 1666 and Sir Christopher Wren designed the memorial. Luckily we arrived too late to hike the 311 steps up to the top and Greg had to be satisfied with pictures from the bottom.

By now it was near 6:30 pm and we are hungry again...all that walking.

We stagger (feet are hurting) down Fleet Street to Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, the favorite pub of Samuel Johnson (of dictionary fame) and Charles Dickens-although in different centuries. We ate in the Chop Room, Katy sitting in the reported favorite seat of Mr. Johnson and Greg sitting in Charles Dickens favorite spot. Greg wolfed down a plate of bangers and mash, Katy had mozzarella and tomato salad and Becky ate fish and chips. In the spirit of the day, Greg and Becky drank ale, and Katy had sparkling water. We saved room for dessert, and had bread and butter pudding, sticky toffee pudding which tasted like a steamed bran muffing, and spotted dick (tasted like a steamed corn muffin). All three were very heavy, and sweet. We have experienced some typical English puddings now and shall avoid them in the future. Greg went downstairs to see the charred beams from the London Fire, couldn't find those but did find the men's room. He had some rather pithy comments about the urinals which will not be repeated here.

It was all we could do to get back on the Tube and get back to the hotel by 8:30. All slept like the dead!