London - Day 2

This morning we got up fairly early as we didn't want to waste what little time we have in London in bed, even though the bed is seriously comfy. I was checking my iPhone and saw that Tiffany had wrote a new post on her blog (for the people that haven't seen her blog, it is at http://blog.tntbordercollies.com) We had a bit of a laugh about her experience with the bathroom lights, water etc. Little did I know that I was in for a few good laughs myself when I went for my first London shower. It took me a while to figure it all out but we eventually got it, got ready and had a nice breakfast at the hotel.

The outside of our hotel.

After breakfast we jumped onto the Tube and headed to Westminster Millennium Pier. The first thing we saw as we exited the Tube was Big Ben and what timing, exactly 10am so we got to hear the 10 chimes. What a beautiful sight and huge (that's for you mom!) We took a walk to see the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. We got a bit of a lesson from a local that saw us looking at the buildings so that was nice.

Big Ben at 10am.

We then crossed over the River Thames to look for the River City Boat Cruise that we planned to use as it offers a hop-on, hop-off option along the Thames. Of course when Rick saw the Millennium Eye he couldn't resist hopping on for a look at the City of London from above. I opted out of this little adventure as that really isn't my thing...I know, I am a big chicken.

A picture of the Millennium Eye from the Houses of Parliament.

A look at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from the Millennium Eye.

After Rick was done his 30min ride and I had done a nice walk in the area, we jumped onto the River City Cruise boat for a ride along the Thames. One of the crew members did a great commentary along the way and we got lots of pictures. It was a very interesting trip, totally worthwhile.

The London Bridge :)

We got off the boat at the London Bridge City Pier to check out a few different sights. First we visited the Tower of London that was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-67. It is one of the world's most famous fortresses and a world heritage site.

One of the buildings inside the Tower of London.

A guard marching.

We then headed over to see the Tower Bridge and were lucky enough to see it raised which only happens approx. 2 times a day. What a beautiful structure and the tour was great...lots of stairs (we are getting quite fit on this trip) and lots of great sights from above. I must say that the movement from the wind wasn't my favourite but it was worth it.

The bridge was up for a steam boat.

A look at London from the upper walkway of the Tower Bridge.

We checked out the Engine Room to see how they raise the Bridge, checked out a few videos and then after we found a nice pub for lunch and to rest from all our walking.

A street of pubs and restaurants :)

We then hopped back onto the Tube to head to Canary Warf. Rick had read lots about the Warf and wanted to check it out. It was incredible how many new buildings are being built in this area, very unique styles. We checked out some shops in Canada Square :) as well as touring the Warf, it is a pretty area.

What a great name :)

We watched as a swan was turning his/her eggs.

A view of the City from Canary Warf. We like the Egg shaped building best, lol.

We finished the day by doing a bit of shopping (books, chocolates etc) and then back to the hotel. I wanted to go to Harrods for some special chocolates that I didn't pick up yesterday but thanks to a derailment on the Piccadilly Line this morning (we heard that when we were on the tube in the am, now they are just saying it is an engineering issue, lol) we didn't make it in time before they closed :( Now we will have to try again tomorrow. We stopped for fish n chips for dinner and are now headed to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. We are checking out of the hotel but get to spend the full day in London and then leave on the bus to Somerset at 6pm. Our expected arrival time in Somerset is 9:55pm and that isn't even at the hotel...yikes. Might not be a blog tomorrow.