Playing catch-up

Brent - behind on posts, but internet access has been hit and miss. Having partially recovered from jet lag after crashing for a few hours, we left to explore London. The subway system (known as 'the Tube') was very easy to understand and use. First stop was the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and the location where many figures from English history were imprisoned and/or beheaded. Barbara commented that she was very glad to have the opportunity to see the Royal 'Family Jewels'. I think she needs to work on her terminology.

The tower complex was far larger than we had envisioned, which took longer to see than we had planned, so we missed the Changing of the Guard at our next stop off the tube, Buckingham Palace. Even so, Buckingham palace was very impressive, although there weren't many touristy things to do there beyond stare in awe at the palace and grounds, and take pictures. Steve insisted on having his picture taken multiple times in front of the very impressive gates to the palace. Gates are his thing, I guess.

Our next stop, the Albert and Victoria Museum, was absolutely amazing. This is an enormous museum, free of charge, that contains a vast collection of exhibits for many periods of history and subject matters. We spent 4 or 5 hours there, including High Tea, and felt like we had barely scratched the surface of what was available to see. Very highly recommended.

One mandatory formation we had to attend based upon orders from Susan, Karrie's mother, was that we HAD to find a pub that served authentic English fish and chips. So, on the way back to the tube station, we spotted a likely looking pub named The Minories, and decided to give it a try. It was a terrific spot, very busy, but the service was excellent, the Guiness was plentiful, and the fish and chips was everything one could wish for. So, Susan, with respect to Operation Fish and Chips, I am pleased to report Mission Accomplished.

To be continuted tomorrow. We're still a couple of days behind, but it's getting late. Coming next, "Fighting our way out of London!"