Panic on the streets of London

"Hang the DJ, hang the DJ..."

Wed 7th Dec
Tried to get to Westminster Abbey as soon as I could as the previous two times I've walked past there's always been a massive line stretching for kms (well, not really - but it was pretty long!) Although I didn't get there till 10:30am, fortunately for me there was no line at all.

Saw St. Margaret's church first before heading into the abbey itself for £6. It's quite spectacular - but, in my opinion, doesn't come close to Notre Dame in terms of impressive architecture, sculptures, etc. It's mostly filled with tombs of various famous and distinguished people including: Elizabeth I, Mary Tudor I, Edward I, Henry III, Mary Queen of Scots and Geoffrey Chaucer. Other things of note: Coronation chair, Chapel of Henry VII, tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and memorials to Churchill, Roosevelt, Newton and Darwin. Also went out into the cloisters and the crypt where there's now a mini-museum.

Westminster Abbey.

Next, crossed the Westminster bridge and walked to the London Eye. Again Lady Luck smiled on me as there was no line of boredom! £12.50 to ride (no student concession!) which I discovered was a rip-off as it was OK for 2 secs but got boring. Even though it was a clear day, you couldn't see very far due to the thick smog hanging over London. Meh...

The London Eye
(or is it the Eye of Sauron??)

Walked over to St. Paul's Cathedral crossing Blackfriars Bridge. Entrance £7. Now, this was very impressive. Truly awe inspiring...
The incredible dome, marble sculptures, stained glass windows, even an orchestra and opera singing which enhanced the reverent mood. Of course, as in all places of worship, no photography is allowed. Climbed all up to the Whispering Gallery and had a view of the Cathedral floor and a closer view of the inner side of the dome. Climbed up to the Stone Gallery which is on the outside of the dome and saw a view of London. Kept climbing till the Golden Gallery was reached which is at the very top of the dome (530 steps! Mad excercise!). Incredible view - better than from the London Eye!! Feeble British Airways.....

Then went down into the crypts below the cathedral. More tombs and monument to famous people. Found it rather strange that there would be gift shops down there as well as a refectory ('The Crypt Cafe'!) and a toilet too!! Still, was pretty hungry and dying of thirst so I had a chocolate muffin and iced tea for £3.

Very annoyed at the idea of having sore feet for another 3 weeks, I went to sportsworld and purchased another pair of walking shoes. Some blue Reebok ones which were on 50% of sale for only $15. Not too bad - I'll have to see how they hold up. I've still got a lot of walking ahead of me!

2:3opm - Quickly caught the tube to Tower Hill to try and see London Tower and Tower Bridge while it was still daylight. Managed to get into the Tower Bridge (£4.50) but by the time I got to the tower it was closed....
"I'll go a little later, I'll go a little later....and when I got there, they said he'd just left....."

The Tower Bridge was OK - nothing too spectacular. Looks good from the outside and managed to get a few nice shots as the sun was setting. Nothing really at all on the inside - just got to climb up and cross it to see the view from the bridge. Also went to the engine rooms....meh.... There was a lot of info to read/listen to but I brushed over it as I was in a hurry to make it to the Tower of London - which I didn't get to anyway.

The Tower Bridge.

Oh yeah - and another thing - Spanish tourists!! They are so annoying! There are millions of them here! More than French or American or Asian! But where's the respect at?!? Nah, mad talking really loudly and joking and laughing in St. Pauls! And running around in museums/galleries! Even if they aren't interested - let other jacks see what they want in peace!!