Bank Holiday

Buster wins and we are going to experience Westminster Abbey. We take a 10 pound taxi ride and get dropped off at the front door. We are early and get brought to the front of the line to be amongst the first in. The Abbey was evolved over time originally created in the 10th century major additions were done in 1507 and the 18th century.

Upon entering it is spectacular. The soaring Gothic ceiling (so you are closer to heaven) and stained-glass are amazing. We are outfitted with self-guided units and begin walking by tombs of nobility. Also you have to look down as you are walking on grave sites. The floors is stones from the ages.

We proceed down the nave (middle aisle) and pass through the organ inquiry area towards the sanctuary. This is the site of coronations and weddings. Moving to the left you enter a hallway with small rooms where kings and queens are encrypted. In the middle is the shrine of Edward the Confessor who chose the site and started construction. Also, in the aisle was the tomb of Edward II (a.k.a. Long Shanks). He was 6'2" and Sandy asked one of the

volunteers if he really was cruel. She was told yes later she said she wanted to spit on it. Glad she didn't.

At the back was Henry VII and Lady Chapel. Up the stairs and Henry VII's shrine is in the middle. On one side as Elizabeth I and Mary the first. They were half-sisters and Mary was Catholic while Elizabeth I was Church of England. Both were children of Henry VIII and Mary's rein brought back the Catholic Church. Following her death Elisabeth became Queen and she reinstated the Church of England. The guide said "different souls hopefully united in death death".

On the other side is the shrine is Mary Queen of Scots. She was beheaded by order of Elizabeth I. Her son James became king and ordered her to be buried in the Abbey not to be outdone by Elizabeth.

Continuing around the Edward the Confessor shrine we arrived at the poet's corner. Notable buried here are Charles Dickens, George Frederick Handel, Rudyard Kipling, and Laurence Olivier. There are also numerous memorials for artists. The list is long and I will defer to the book and or Wikipedia. Check out very cool.

This was the end of the tour and we exited over two hours later after being steeped in history. If you ever go to London you have to visit Westminster Abbey.

We decided to visit Winston Churchill's bunker and found out it was only two blocks away. Buster says he can walk it and we set off. We get to the street crossing and can see the sign across the street. Remember I said it was a bank holiday. There is a 10K run in the street is blocked, FOOK! The two bobbies on bikes say 5 to 10 minutes more. Right, we turned around see a pub and go have a pint and wait for the final walker to come by.

About 45 minutes later we made it across the street and get in line. Sandy goes up front and gets Buster to the front again without the wait. Down the lift and you are immersed in the life of Sir Winston Churchill.

Displays of what life was like during the bombing of London by the Germans. Churchill was Prime Minister and surrounded himself with his war council. They had small rooms and had signs that told them what the conditions were like above. If it said rain that meant "bombs".

The museum area had many artifacts including a timeline of Churchill's career which spanned 40 years. Sandy was enamored with Winston's many quotes. Her favorite: Lady Jane Astor said "Mr.

Churchill, if you were my husband, I would poison your tea!" Winston responded: "And if you were my wife, I would drink it".

We wandered through the exhibits and exited about two hours later. It did get a little stuffy with all the the visitors. Fresh air felt good!

Taxi back to the Doubletree and Sandy says she's hungry and thirsty. Buster spots a pub up the street, the St. George's Tavern turns out to be a gem. The proprietor is wearing a shirt that says ask about their ales, so Buster does. He brings over six samples of local brews. He explains how they are from smaller breweries and are not pasteurized. He says he will tell which one is preferred as the glass will be empty. Buster settles on Dark Island from Orkney, Scotland. Looks like Guinness, very smooth!

We are told we must eat the local cuisine when visiting. Sandy goes for the fish and chips and Buster has beef pie. Both were outstanding. Finally it was our last chance for sticky toffee pudding. Sandy finally got to try, no peanuts, and this time it came with custard. Buster has to find a recipe and make make this.

Back to the hotel and pack up for the long trip home.