The Tower and the Bath

Went to the Tower on Monday morning. The Tower is an interesting look at the history of armaments from the Middle Ages through the rise of the British Empire that can be directly related to the history of settling of North America and Canada. The fortress was interesting as it's the first keep that we've seen so far. It gave us an interesting overview of the difficulties of life in earlier times. No more complaining from us, that's for sure! The Crown jewels were beautiful and impressive but what a waste. The millions of dollars worth of jewels that could be converted to help needy people throughout the world rather than being held for pomp and ceremony once every few years and more. What a waste! we were thinking if they could take just one of the gilded bowls, it could probably feed a country for over a year.

After the Tower we intended to go to Westminster Abbey but stopped at Trafalgar Square and sat on a bench and chatted with a lovely old gentleman. He made an interesting comment that although there were so many people everywhere, it could be a lonely place. I guess not a lot of people take the time to talk to others.

London Olympic clock

He was a former Anglican minister who was in town for a meeting with his ex-headmaster. We chatted with a really nice lady at Greenwich as well and those have been some of our best memories so far. It's so interesting to get the perspectives of people from other countries. The Olympic clock was at Trafalgar Square. Ours was much more impressive.

We haven't seen a lot of homeless people yet. I'm sure they are here but not in the areas that we've been yet. There was a fellow that was covertly dipping into the fountain to scoop out the coins. He was very good at it, always managing to do it as the Bobbies looked the other way.

Bath Abbey

Yesterday we went to Bath - took the train (1 1/2 hour ride). It was beautiful city. Very historic. The Bath hot springs ruin is incredible - over a thousand years old. We walked up the hills and marvelled at the fantastic architecture. The progression of 17th and 18th century mansions were very impressive. We had supper in a little restaurant in a house that was built in 1458! A great day all around.

Having lots of fun. Only two days left in London.

The crescent @ Bath