Tower of London and Tower Bridge

After another long week of classes its time to do a bit more sight-seeing this week. I'm happy to report that I am navigating the city much better these days. I even gave a tourist directions, while shopping at a local open-air market--made me feel like such a local and if my accent hadn't given me away I probably could have passed for a local Londoner. The weather here has just been gorgeous, which is making my sight-seeing a truly enjoyable experience. Friday, I was able to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guard Parade. Both were brilliant to see. I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the Tower of London. Now I have to admit I was a bit naive to this attraction...I literally was under the impression that it was a tower...I know, I know how American of me. Imagine my surprise when I came across this Castle! (note to self, brush up on British history)

As a first-time visitor to London I wouldn't dare miss this old symbol of blood and gore that has been standing on the Thames for over 900 years. It is quite possibly the oldest structure in London and drenched in a rich history. It's been a palace, a prison, and a royal mint, but now its a living museum of British history. Highlights of my visit to the tower included: White Tower, where they now house the weaponry and armor of past kings and queens; The Crown Jewels, which were incredible to see up close; more diamonds, rubies, and emeralds than you count feasibly count; and finally Beauchamp Tower, where Anne Boleyn was banished by King Henry VIII before she was beheaded.

[fun-fact: apparently beheading did not have a very high success rate and it took a couple of swings of the ax to get the job done. So, Anne Boleyn hired a famous French swordsman to be brought in for her beheading to ensure she endured the least pain possible]

To end my tour of the Tower of London, I took a moment to enjoy the view of the iconic Tower Bridge (not to be confused with the London Bridge, which is actually in Arizona, USA)