Two Abbeys and an Eye

We made it to London on Friday.  Though it is only about 50 miles away, it took us about 2 hours to get into town.  We drove to Wimbledon and hopped on the tube to take us into the city.

Our first stop was the London Eye.  It is the tallest ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere and it takes 30 minutes to go around once.  It takes you up over the city with spectacular views of Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey and most of the city.  That was Kim's must do while we are here.  She was a bit nervous about the height but she made it.  It was amazing.  Check out the pics we took, pretty awesome.

Our next stop was Westminster Abbey.  We walked across the Thames to get a better view of Big Ben, which was Evie's must see.  The houses of Parliament are next to Big Ben and heavily guarded.  The semi-automatic weapons the guards were carrying gave Kim a chill.  We decided it was best to keep moving right along.

We got to the Abbey (which incidentally is the place where William and Kate are getting married) and paid our admission to get in.  They have audio recordings to guide you through but you are not allowed to take pictures inside.  I was in awe.  Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it.  You could feel the history and the importance all around you.  We sat in the Abbey and listened to the audio about the architecture but the really interesting part came when we started exploring and seeing the tombs of the Monarchs and famous people buried in the Abbey.  Queen Elizabeth I, her half sister Queen Mary, Mary Queen of Scots, George III, Newton, Darwin, and of course my favorite, Chaucer.  I wanted a picture next to Chaucer's tomb so badly, but I didn't dare.  I started reciting those infamous 27 lines to the Canterbury Tales that all Meredith students must memorize.  It was surreal.  I never in my life would have thought I would be there.  We were able to see so much history in that one building.  Saturday evening we went to see the King's Speech.  There is a scene when they are in the Abbey before his coronation.  John and I both said, "we we're there!"

After John and the kids pulled me out of the Abbey, we hopped back on the tube and heading for the next Abbey on our list, Abbey Road.  Yes, I know, it doesn't really compare with Westminster Abbey.  Kim was wearing her Beatles t-shirt and we stood in front of this nondescript white building with a gray roof.  There was a little sign over the door that said Abbey Road Studios.  Ya could have walked right past it and never knew what it was.  Of course we took pictures in the famous crosswalk.  It was quite funny.  There is not a traffic light there, but the locals realize it is a famous landmark and will stop to allow fans to pretend to be the Fab Four for a few moments.  We had our fun and the sun was setting so it was time to head back home.

There is so much to see and do in the city that we are spreading it out and not trying to do too much at once.  Our next trip into the city will include Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.  The week ahead has not yet been planned so there is not telling what adventures await us next.  My love to you all!

Cheers!