London

Wow, what a city, mindblowing! We first walked to London Bridge which is just a bridge - underwhelming - then saw Tower Bridge - so beautiful!

Crossed this to Tower of London - got there at 9am, just as it opened, have since decided this is definitely the secret to seeing any sights in the city - be early! Is an incredible set of buildings - so much to see. We were there 3 hours and were blown away by the history pouring out of every wall. One little chapel I went into they had a voice playing quietly of the king that was murdered there - praying - sent shivers down my spine - I'm still hoping it was a tape playing and not really him!

The tower has been a fortress, home, prison, place of execution to so many famous people. All those Phillipa Gregory books come to life! They keep the crown jewels there and once again there was no crowd so we could take our time having a really good look.

One of the rooms in a tower - at the top of a spiral staircase - was used as a prison alot so there is still graffiti on the walls from alot of the prisoners - some of it had been done for them by scribes - too upperclass to do their own graffiti.

The white tower is the most amazing museum in its own right, I've included a photo of my favourite set of armour, it's gold leafed - belonged to Henry I. Eventually tired feet, hunger & thirst drove us out - also the crowds had woken up and were pouring in by lunchtime. Learned another trick of the trade - carry water and snacks so you don't get desperate enough to have to waste money at tourist cafes at attractions. So that was the first morning! As you might gather we kind of liked the Tower of London :-) I think I'll take a break and do the rest as a separate posting - time for coffee...