Travels and Times of the Growing McNaught Family: London

Yesterday we rode the train into London. We then road the tube to see Buckingham palace. We watched them inspect the horses and riders that guard the royal stable and saw the procession to do the changing of the guard to the palace but didn't actually watch the changing. Then we walked down to see Big Ben, the bell tower with it's clock in the Westminister Palace where Parliment is. We also saw Westminster abby from the outside, planning to return during a service to see the inside.

Then we took a river ride down to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. We did go under London Bridge but it was pretty boring. We spent a lot of time in the Tower of London which is actually a castle. There were a lot of stories of beheading and we got to see Traitors Gate. We got to go into the White Tower where they kept all the armor and guns and such. It was pretty interesting. We got to see the royal jewels too, but they didn't allow pictures in there. It was pretty neat to see a castle, though I was disappointed that we didn't get to see the living quarters and such. Maybe next time.

After that we went to the Tower Bridge and got to walk across the top portion, which is inclosed with windows, to see a great view of London. Michael and Jon really liked visiting the Engine room and it was warm inside so we enjoyed ourselves. It was quite cold. About 8 C, but with a cold, chill, wet wind. We were very happy that it was not cloudy and rainy though. At the end of the day we rode a double decker bus to a middle eastern restuarant and had some great food. We returned, very tired, late at night.

Sophie had a rough night. She didn't get to sleep until around 11pm and then woke again at 12 and 1am and then didn't go back to sleep till 4am. We did get to sleep in until noon! Today we are just resting, doing laundry, and researching what we want to do with the rest of our time here. Stay tuned for some great stuff.