Hello back to the states!  

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We had an early start today and descended to the Tube for a ride across town to the Tower of London.  This started out as a fortified residence but is probably most famous for being the prison where Anne Boleyn was beheaded.  We got to have the honor of watching the ceremonial unlocking the gates, which is not open to just anybody.  It was fun to see serious guys in red clothes march around with jingling keys.  Once inside we went straight to the Crown Jewels and got there before the masses entered the gates.  Jeanie told us about the significance of all the sparkly things!  We then had a couple hours on our own to follow a Yeoman Warder or explore the buildings and displays.   

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Next up was a walk through "the City," which is the part of town that is the financial capitol of the world. There were lots of distinguished looking men in suits and women in cute little sheath dresses walking around.  

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We were tired from the morning's adventures so we took a ride on the top deck of a red bus to a cool place for tea.  Fun little cut sandwiches that tasted marvelous. Also scones, clotted cream and several desserts.  And, of course, tea.  Raise your pinkies everyone!  

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Most of the group went on to the British Museum but I ducked out and went back to the hotel for a nap.  At night another tour member and I went to see a very British musical, "Half a Sixpence." It was an old fashioned show and reminded me of Mary Poppins a bit.  It was fun but late night.  

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Martha