London Day 2

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I was pretty jetlagged last night and did not sleep well, but I got enough sleep to get through today alright. In fact, I had quite a nice day! I visited several places I have never been before. I went to Apsley House, the Duke of Wellington's residence, and was pleased with the informative displays. I stopped by Speakers Corner, which is famous for "free speech". On Sunday afternoons anyone who wants to can stand up and say whatever he pleases. (see picture) There were half a dozen men on soapboxes, but I was a little disappointed because every one of them was espousing some religion or other. I had hoped for a little more variety - and more speakers. Yesterday, when I arrived at Heathrow airport, I bought a TravelCard. This allows me to use public transport in London as much as I like during my seven days here. I can hop on and off the Underground and any of the buses. So I took a bus to the National Army Museum after reading a positive review from Rick Steves. It is well done and presents, in my opinion, just the right amount of material. There's neither too much nor too little and I think it does evenhanded job on some sensitive topics. I was planning to go to the Tate Gallery afterward, but I was just too tired for another museum. Instead I made connections with the number 11 bus which runs past some of the famous tourist sites in London. I sat on the top level of the bus and, through the window, I saw Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Trafalgar Square (see picture), and St. Paul's cathedral. I took the Tube back to the apartment and stopped in at the grocery store as I walked home from the Tube stop. I had supper here in the room and will be going to bed early again tonight, but I think the jet lag will be over in another day or two.

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Comments

[Linda Morris]

Rick Steves would be proud!
Hi Bill, Love your pictures, love your blog! Looks like good weather. Sounds like you are really enjoying! Isn't it "proper" to have fish & chips when in London? Ha-ha!