London Day 4

It's our last full day in London and I have to say we're ready to go home. We've had such a great time I'm not sure I have the vocabulary to describe it. The incredibly emotional time in Malawi, the amazing experience of safari in Zambia dand the grandeur, history and civility of London have create the trip of a lifetime for me. But all good things must come to an end. The truth is I miss my daughters (and granddaughter), my dog, my house, my bed and San Diego in General. 

Both Ranie and I were feeling worn out this morning. We planned a pretty simple day. After another delicious breakfast (Did I mention breakfast is complimentary?) we made the short walk along the Westminster Bridge to Westminster Abbey. We took the self guided audio tour and learned a lot about the grand history of Westminster Abbey.  I had no idea the people who are buried there. Centuries worth of the most famous kings and queens are entombed there along with scientists, Darwin & Sir Issac Newton, the composer Handel, the author Chaucer. Even Oliver Cromwell, who led the successful civil war that brought down the Crown,was burried there. Of course that didn't last long. King Charles II was restored to the throne and he had Cromwell dug up, hanged and then beheaded. I guess those royals really know how to hold a grudge! Anyway the church is beautiful and full of history and we had a great time. Of course we hit the gift store on the way out and found a couple of nice souvenirs. 

On the grounds outside Westminster Abbey volunteers  were putting together a memorial to those who have lost ther lives fighting for and along side England in wars. A couple dozen volunteers were on their hands and knees driving miniature crosses into the ground. They won't complete their work until Thursday. When finished there will be 100,000 crosses in the grass in front of the church. It was a very touching display. 

We spent the rest of the morning walking in the Westminster area. Just across from the Abbey is Parliment Square with statues of famous statesmen and other notable individuals, including Abraham Lincoln. We had a little fun with a phone booth. You don't see phone booths in the USA much anymore but they are all over London. We strolled past the Whitehall building and garden (very pretty) on our way to the Jubilee bridges. A quick walk across the beautiful pedestrian bridge and a stroll through Jubilee Park. Then back to the room for Ranie. She wasn't feeling very well. Just a side note on Jubilee Park, it was very underwhelming. Although the park is pretty enough, I expected more from a park connected to the queen's jubilee. 

While Ranie was resting in the room I went looking for some photo opportunities. Specially, I was trying to catch some unique angles of Big Ben. Unfortunately the sun was making lighting very difficult and I lack the skill to get the quality of pictures I was hoping for. I attached a couple to give you an idea of what I was trying to do. I was absolutely enamored with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment. The architecture simply captivates me so I went back out after dinner trying to get some night shots of Big Ben. Again it didn't go as well as I hoped. 

So we are almost completely packed and ready to leave for home in the morning. Of course we'll have time for breakfast before we leave. Did I mention breakfast is complimentary?