Tower of London

June 1st

I love going to church. I really do... but Sunday School is always a little boring. It is even harder to sit through when you know all the other girls in the different wards are getting fun callings while we are here. Hyde Park 2nd Ward is a fairly stable ward that does not rely on visitors as much as the other wards in the London Stake. Last week I finally found the primary president and asked if there was anything we could do to help. She said we were more than welcome to come to the first hour of nursery or be put on the substitute list since sometimes people do not show up. Perfect. Colette and I spent the first hour in nursery and then I went to Sharing Time to observe. Apparently most people will be gone next week so the primary president asked if I would lead sharing time. Next week will be an adventure.

After church I did laundry and then went to a CES Devtional Broadcast by Ballard. I think it played in the states awhile ago. I might have even seen it.... I really liked it though. Ballard knows his stuff.

June 2nd

Forget class! We are going to the tower!

I have been so excited for the Crown Jewels. Alli said they are fakes and that the real jewels are held somewhere else, but I do not care. I saw them. They are gorgeous. I did not realize there have been so many different crowns made for different rulers almost every other person has a new crown made. I guess it makes sense since they have different head shaped and styles. Funny, isn't it?

We did not go on a tour, but the tour guides were funny. I should know why they are called beefeaters, but I never figured it out. You could here them shouting the stories of England almost anywhere on the grounds.

The tower is surrounded by several other building. I was not expecting the cute houses that lined the perimeter. Rumor has it that some of them are still occupied by important people.

A memorial to the people, including Henry the IV's wives, that were beheaded at the tower.

Even though I do not know all British History, most of the monuments do a good job explaining why places are significant. Many people were held in the tower. I think the saddest story are the two princes that Kind Richard the III had killed so he could become king.

Some kind workers at the tower. Most of the staff here is dressed up.

Justyne, Me, and Chelsea

The closest I have gotten to a palace guard. Hollywood lies. You cannot go right up and stand next to them. Maybe on certain occasions, but not on a day to day basis.

Lots of old artillery, weaponry, and armor is held at the tower. I liked the room in Windsor Castle better. It was much more elaborate since it was in a palace. Seeing how England's army progressed was cool though. There was only a very small corner in one of the rooms about the American Revolution. It is the only time we have seen something about the American military while in London.

This is a real book??? It's huge! I also appreciated this dragon made from random war equipment.

All of England's money makes a picture! I never knew this. It is super cool. Fifty pence is the best. No one uses the two pence.

So tempted to buy a quill and ink. They had tons of different colors for it. I also really want a wax sealer. I write enough people that it would be put to good use.

 <3 Tower Bridge <3

On top of the wall surrounding the tower.

Random animals made from this twine type material are all over the grounds. They represent the animals that use to live in the tower. They had a type of zoo here. One king even had a polar bear. I died.

Justyne and I were walking along when this happened. It is the annual celebration for the Queen's coronation! They brought out three large cannons and took turns firing blanks into the river at one o'clock. We heard all of it. It was extremely loud. They fired fifty-nine times, one for each year Elizabeth the II has been queen.

I love this bridge.

After listening to the cannons and finishing up at the tower Justyne and I went home to grab lunch. We met back up with Tracy, Sarah, and Chelsea to go shopping at Primark. Lots of girls in our group go on and on about how cheap Primark is.... Let me set the record straight. It is average. You think you are getting a great deal till you factor in the exchange rate of pound to dollars. The store has great variety, but it is not this super savvy buy store. I couldn't find the perfect dress for tea so I bought a skirt and blouse. I wanted to buy several once I walked in there.

Why not. M&M World in Leicester Square.

Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit. One of my favorite shows we have seen for class. Angela was incredible. She was the voice of Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. We were a little nervous she would not be able to pull off the show since she is 88. Never doubt Angela Lansbury. Two thumbs up for Blithe Spirit. Fun fact: The guy who played Charles is in Downton Abbey. Wish I would see some other BBC stars waltzing around London, if you know what I mean.