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Dragon of London
The 'original' square mile of which London was founded 2000 years ago by the Romans is marked by dragons. Whenever you enter the mile, you will cross one of these. Today, the 4th of July, was probably the most exciting and amazing day we've had yet in London. Though, I must confess, it was also the longest and hardest. We walked probably around 10 miles today. Up and down and all around Central London (See the 'dragon statues I've included) to the Tower of London, all around the inside, to London Bridge, across London Bridge (on foot this time), to Westminster Abbey, all around the Inside, and then all over Hyde Park (350 acres).
We started early, at 8. I guess I'm a slave driver, but I knew we had a lot to cover, so It was best we get a move on, even though we didn't get in till 12:30 last night, from Baker Stree (yes! 221b Baker Street, the most famous address in the world, we saw it!) and the Movie "The Edge of Love" in a FANTASTIC and Extravagent movie theater in Leicester Square. Anywho, we got off to a good start, had some (terrible) McDonald's for breakfast (nothing is a safe bet for food here...) then headed out on the rails, then foot to Tower of London.
This place is amazing! We saw brilliant and
Window Seat
Hanging out at the Tower of London, in the bell tower (though no bell) stunning rooms from 1200 - 1700, with weapons, suits of armour, guns, and even the CROWN JEWLES! (James snuck a video...you can't take photos in there. I'll show you all the video when I get home, or in the next blog!!) We also so the chopping block on which Anne Boleon was beheaded. Pretty amazing stuff.
Afterwards we went to Westminster Abbey (for the 2nd time, this time we were going to make it inside and not miss the closing time!!). Unfourtunatly they do not allow ANY photography inside the Abbey (It is a Church after all). James got one or two pictures with my help, which I may include later on when I get them.
I have to stop here and say one thing.
Stunning.
I cannot convey to all of you how beautifully amazing Westminster Abbey is. It is so grandiose and beautiful, it is unreal. Not only the architechture, but the contents, all of it was so sureal, and mind blowing. This is the place that houses the tombs of people like Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Bloody Mary, Richard II, Georve III and IV, etc etc. So many dead kings and
Stairs!
They were TINY and slippery, I fell twice...stupid size 14 american shoes... queens of England reside within, and that doesn't even cover the dukes, and earl and other names we saw. The marble and granite carvings and statues in hommage to those burried are so beautiful, words do not convey it. Other extremely famous people are burried there. In particular interest to me:
Handel(composer), Lewis Carrol (Aka Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, the author of Alice in Wonderland), Geoffry Chaucer (Canteburry Tales), and many many more.
We also got to see some neat attractions, such as the
Grand Corrination Chair, which has been used in EVERY Corrination of a monarch since 1308. And, we go to see Britain's
OLDEST door. It was circa 1032.
I have to say - everything I saw within was amazing and so stunning, I would certainly see it all again. I am sad I could not take pictures, but I will say if any of you reading are ever in London, see this place. It will take your breath away..
So, now, with tired and swollen feet and a beaten mind, I shall leave you. Happy Fourth of July (though we didn't celebrate really..) and love you all!
Cheers, Ryan.
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Stephen
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Louvre
Speaking of Westminster Abbey, you will be even more amazed if you stop in Paris to visit the Louvre. I'm telling you when i went there simply an amazing experience to remember.