The Tower of London

Saturday found us at the Tower of London (www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/). Normally we dismiss it because there is so much to do here that is free and the tickets are quite pricy (adults are the equivalent of $32), but the opportunity to visit with cousins Sherry and McKay was too good to pass up. Our first hour was spent with a Yeoman Warden, who gave us a free tour of the grounds and the chapel. The only way to get inside the chapel is to join the tour. While in the chapel, he told the stories of many who were burried there. He was quite an animated fellow and liked to involve the audience. Emma was not thrilled to be a part of his act, and when he shouted "accused of witchcraft" and pointed to her, tears quickly followed. She was quite pleased to move on to seeing the crown jewels. I'd heard that the lines to do so were horrible, but we made the decision to brave them anyway -- we had to get our money's worth, right? Disney style lines are set up and we watched video of the Queen's coronation and information on the different pieces we'd see once we entered the jewel tower. The line moved so quickly that most didn't watch the videos, but we jumped out of line to watch since getting back in would be no problem. I told myself to let Emma take her time here (I'm horrible about rushing her through things at times), but didn't have to worry about that for two reasons. One, she's a smart little girl and knows her dad is more patient so she chose to walk with him. Two, when we actually went by the crown jewels, we were on a moving sidewalk. They ensure one doesn't lollygag I suppose. While the jewels were magnificent, I think Emma was more fascinated with the ravens that reside in the tower. Legend holds that if the ravens leave the tower will crumble, so the Brits have clipped their wings just in case! Quite a few individuals were dressed in costume and told their stories, including a man who later escaped from the Tower of London. He shared his plans with Emma and made her promise to keep them secret. She also heard secrets from a woman disguised as a commoner who was really nobilty. Leaving the tower, we walked along the river Thames and then took Sherry and McKay to Covent Garden to listen to Terry. The five of us dined outdoors at a pizzeria, where McKay discovered tea comes only in hot form here. To his credit, he gave it a try . . . and we bought our little ring bearer turned high school graduate a Coke on the sly to reward him for branching out! We closed out the day with some obligatory photos in Picadilly Circus.