The London adventure – Part 3

So the London adventure continues . . .

1. A real sense of history.

I have always been interested in World War II, my Dad fought in that war. Although, he never wanted to talk about it. As much as I have studied about it, it seemed to be a war that happened, “over there.” Well, “over there” was right in London! I just can’t imagine how Londoners felt as their beautiful city was being bombed by the Germans.

It is fascinating, yet sobering to see the reminders of this war. The Victoria and Albert Museum bears damage, which was deliberately not repaired. It serves as a reminder.

2. Beautiful, old architecture.

I just love old buildings. Modern buildings not so much. Well, London has plenty of old buildings. The British Museum was started in 1753. Ken was fascinated by the architecture. I was fascinated by the big old dinosaur skeleton in the lobby.

3. Civilized or not?

I always thought of the English as so proper and very civilized. As I learned more about their early history, especially at the Tower of London, I have revised my opinion. To be fair, I don’t think any early peoples were very civilized.

The White Tower is a central tower, the old keep, at the Tower of London. It was built by William the Conqueror during the early 1080s, and subsequently extended. The White Tower was the castle’s strongest point militarily, and provided accommodation for the king and his representatives, as well as a chapel. Henry III ordered the tower whitewashed in 1240.

Here is one of Ken’s favorite places within the Tower of London. It’s St. John’s Chapel which is a Romanesque chapel and is on the second floor of the White Tower, which was built in 1077–97 as a keep or citadel, the oldest part of William the Conqueror’s powerful fortress. It is still used for services for the Beefeaters that live within the complex. There is something very ironic about having a chapel in a place like the Tower of London.

4. Harrods.

A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Harrod’s, the luxury department store. I just HAD to have a souvenir from this store. My choices were:

or

Mmmm, do I spend 13,000 pounds on a gilded peacock or 10 pounds for some tea? No surprise, I bought the tea!

Both Mr. Ken and I agreed that this trip to London was our best vacation ever. We’ve already started thinking about where to go next.