Wednesday
What a classic day Wednesday proved to be. I (Mr. Lugg) rose early to get our tickets for riding on the tube throughout the day. We were all forced to choose between a continental breakfast and a hot breakfast in the hostel, which was a choice that most had never faced. Our ride on the tube to the Tower of London was a little adventurous because the train ended two stops short of our goal because of light ridership (which it was full, but not packed), so we needed to get off and wait for a train that was fuller. After arriving at the Tower of London the group was given an impressive tour by a Beefeater while I separated from the group to scout options for lunch. We didn’t reconnect until lunch time, but we toured almost all the same features of the tower. We ate at a sandwich shop at the base of the tower bridge where a waitress gave Jonathan and Patti free coffee and tea just because we were nice (at least they are). The afternoon walk awaited so we started walking across Tower Bridge, then along the south shore of the Thames. This was supposed to be simple stroll, straight forward without any complications. It was anything but. First thing that happened was that we needed a potty stop. We found a loo for pay, which satisfied the most desperate, but most decided to hold out for something free. The biggest challenge was all the wonderful stores and sites along the way. We said no to most temptations in the name of progress, but we also stopped for many attractions. By late afternoon when we finally arrived at Westminster Abby we were technically too late for a group to enter. They let us in anyway and we were richly rewarded with the Abby which is beyond description with many tombs and special crypts. This was certainly a highlight for the entire trip. A highlight for me was the coronation chair in which every king or queen since William the Conqueror has been crowned. If you look at the film of Queen Elizabeth II being crowned in the early fifties you will see her sitting in this chair. We had an adventurous trip back on the tube when we had to change trains twice in crowded rush-hour traffic and we were challenged to keep everyone together while traipsing up and down stairs, around corners, down long concourses, and on and off trains. Afterward, they said that my red Grace Academy coat and 6’ 2” body saved the day as they were always able to see me up ahead. We changed it up at ate at Burger King for a quick end to a long day. Once again we had our meeting, this time with Mrs. Frisk leading, and then went to our rooms for the night.
Pictures (clockwise): Big Ben; Westminster Abbey; Tower Bridge
