Day of Dreams

Wednesday, May 18
Today is the London day I've been most anticipating.  I'm so excited!  We're going to the Tower of London, Afternoon Tea at the Savoy, and to see Les Mis at the Queen's Theater in London's West End.  This day is "so me"!  I know I'm planning for four of us, but this day...I planned for me!
Only a few problems...none of us slept last night (well...I got 2 1/2 hours of sleep), we're suffering from jet lag, John has developed cold symptoms, and it's pouring rain.  Well, it takes a lot more than that to "dampen" my spirits!
First stop...Tower of London.  I had read that it's best to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds. We arrived early, plus it was raining, which was quite advantageous as we felt we had the place to ourselves.

The Tower of London,

Home of blood and gore and so much more

We visit the Crown Jewels (which had been anxiously awaiting our visit!). Amidst the many royal jewel bedecked crowns we found a scepter with a 532 carat diamond.  Yes, you read that right...over 500 carats!  Also there was a very large display of gold Royal regalia...you know...your everyday knickknacks...like a pure gold punch bowl that holds 144 bottles of wine. Jacque tried to place her order for a similar item for her next party, but unfortunately they weren't taking orders at the time.
Next we listen to a Beefeater's (or Yeoman Warder) presentation.  After he told us many interesting tales, he told us that we would be heading into the Royal Chapel.  He warned us, "Be cautious.  There is a tiny step entering the chapel, and now that I've warned you...there will be three people in this group who trip on it."  We all giggle and head to the chapel.  Sure enough...Larry tripped on the "tiny step" and someone in the crowd yells out, "There's number one!".  So much for being discreet!
We toured the White Tower, originally built in the 1070's.  The building served as a fortress, royal housing, and a torture chamber.
We saw the famous spot where Anne Boleyn and a few others lost their heads.  Most beheadings were done in a different location, but you had to be really special to have your head chopped off in this locale.  Anne Boleyn had the special favor of a French swordsman brought in to lop off her head with one slice (seems others had to go through a "chopping process") and the tale is told that it was such a surprising stroke that she was still talking after her head was lopped off.  Seemed she got "the last word."

We got this view of the London Bridge while walking through the

Tower of London grounds.  As you can see, it is NOT falling down.

Whilst walking around the grounds, we found out that the guides and guards standing about were very friendly and willing to answer all your questions in a most friendly manner.  They may have been bored because they not only answered your questions, but they would engage you in lengthy conversations.  One such guide told us to be sure to watch the 41 gun salute about to happen.  "Why 41 guns??" I had to ask.  He patiently explains that a 21 gun salute is a matter of respect, add 20 for the queen's presence (she was busy at the opening day of Parliament) and that makes the 41.  If a foreign dignitary was visiting, they would add another 20...of course they would.  He went on to explain other additions, but he lost me at that point.  So...not only is the queen out and about because the Yamasaki's and Riella's were in town, but also a 41 gun salute is given in our honor (but it should have been a 61 gun salute for we are certainly foreign dignitaries...but I didn't want to embarrass them over their faux pax.)

Our personal 41 gun salute in the pouring rain.

Obviously they're very excited that we're visiting.

Hanging out with the local Beefeater

I am amazed by the amount of money paid in London...for standing.  The famous guards stand at attention (I'm sure you can picture them), but also doormen, greeters for restaurants and what not, and information personnel...just standing there waiting for you to question them.  I wonder how impressive this must look on a resume...I was a "stander".  But I found out...in a quite disturbing fashion...that the guards at the Tower of London aren't always standing at attention.  I was walking up to one to take a picture when suddenly he starts stomping his feet and swinging his firearm around.  I got a little anxious as I was the only tourist in the area.  Had I crossed a barrier?  Was I about to be shot???  No, I think it's just their way of shaking the numbness in their legs.

A friendly Bobby doing his job of "standing" in front

of the Parliament Building which was cordoned off

for the Queen's appearance at the opening day of Parliament.