Touring Tuesday

This Tuesday, we had an organized trip to the Tower of London and to Greenwich. The Tower is fascinating to me! I went on a guided tour with a Beefeater who was charming! I so enjoy hearing them tell the stories. Of course, I did stop in a visit the crown jewels, which were as impressive as you would expect. We also saw the ravens that are kept there. It is said that if the ravens ever leave that will be the end of the monarchy, so they keep them caged . . . just in case!

I was fascinated that there are some 130 people (including some children) who actually live at the Tower of London, including a doctor and a chaplain. I would think that would be a very strange place to live. I'm not sure how I'd feel about it.

It was interesting that while we were there, there was a 21-gun solute in honor of President Obama's arrival. I found it most fascinating that there was no press coverage, as if this is "normal." Of course, Mr. Obama wasn't there (he was at his own private 21-gun solute elsewhere). In spite of the lack of attention, the British servicemen still "performed" with the precision that we've grown to expect.

From the Tower, we took a boat ride down the Thames River to Greenwich. I have to admit, I was underwhelmed until I got to the top where the observatory is and took in an incredible view! Of course, it was fun to stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere. It just proves how arbitrary we are in our ways of making sense of things.