London

Breakfast at apartment simple and quick. Early morning tube ride to the Tower of London. Got there at opening and there were NO LINES! We made a beeline for the crown jewels which were in display cases (no photos). Very few people there. Next while we were waiting for the 10am tour, we visited the coins and kings expo. At 10 we started the tour with Steve the Yeoman Warder. Steve brought us around some points in the Tower explaining along the way. Started with history of the Traitor Gate to Tower Green (where some executions took place), the queens' house, wellington armory, white tower and chapel. Saw the armory collection then had a coffee in the cafe and had our lunch there. Saw the bloody tower, torture chambers, walked the walk, beauchamp tower, before leaving we took a survey about our time there.

Walked along the Thames and it was actually sunny. Back to tube to go to Sky Garden. Went up to Sky Garden for some views and drinks and a snack. After which we took a quick ride to the Florence Nightingale Museum across the river - small museum about her life and work. At 5:30 we went to St. Pauls' for Evensong, a choir service.

Back to apartment to do laundry. They had free laundry rooms, we just had to buy soap from the front desk for 1 pound. The machines shut off at 8pm though so some of our clothes were still wet.

Dinner was at North Sea - they redeemed themselves nicely. Everything was delicious and much better than last time.Read more