Today was a day of hits and misses. I should have followed by own advice: more doing, less seeing!
Travel Tip 5: Skip Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
I originally thought this tour would be a good cultural experience. But the so-called “behind the scenes” look fell flat. The kids and I didn’t leave any more knowledgeable; frankly, we just wanted to leave!
However, we did thoroughly enjoy the Tower of London. There the tours are lead by Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters. Our Beefeater, Bob, was a good-humored chap with a booming voice. And I really dug his sharp uniform. (Bob: “It is NOT a costume!”)
Bob did a brilliant job of explaining the history of the Tower of London.
The Tower of London – known for its bloody and torturous past – is home to the Crown Jewels and other royal regalia. The most impressive piece: the Royal Scepter with a 530.2 karat diamond! Sorry, no photos allowed. You’ll have to trust me; it was gorgeous.
From Aidan: They had lots of diamonds and were very big. They must have been expensive. The Royal Family seems rich and able to do whatever they want. The Royal Family seems spoiled.
But the most enjoyable parts of the day were the simple moments: walking the Millennium and Tower Bridges, eating lunch on the Embankment, and playing in the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park. There’s a lesson in that for me.
Aidan and Nathan posing on the Millennium Bridge crossing the Thames River.
Inside of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre along the Thames River.
Street performer on the Millennium Bridge.
Boys on Millennium Bridge with St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance.
The tour at the Globe was not our favorite…
The original theater was destroyed by fire.
Aidan, Shellie and Nathan with the Tower Bridge.
Tower Bridge, often misidentified as London Bridge.
Aidan expending some energy along the Embarkment.
The Union Jack flying on a gray London afternoon.
The Tower Bridge really is a beautiful span.
The towers of Tower Bridge over the Thames River.
Modern London with the Shard.
The boys are walking across the Tower Bridge. What looks like a hug… is really a headlock. Brothers.
The Tower of London along the Thames River.
The Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, guard the Tower of London and give tours.
Our Yeoman Warder’s names was Bob.
Bob did a brilliant job of explaining the history of the Tower of London.
Guard outside of the Crown Jewel House at the Tower of London.
The Crown Jewel House at the Tower of London. No photos, allowed. Inside we saw the Crown Jewels, including the Royal Sceptor with a 530.2 karat diamond. Really.
The White Tower at the Tower of London, once the home of English kings and queens.
There are 6 ravens at the Tower of London. Legend says if the ravens leave, the Tower will crumble.
The Tower of London once housed wild animals.
Like father like son?
Aidan liked this dragon. Not sure if it had any historical significance…
Part of my goal to drink Starbucks around the world. London – check!
Jonas, Aidan, Nathan, and Anders on private ship at Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park. This place was awesome!
Lost Boys at Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park.
Jonas and Aidan holding on for dear life.
Yikes! Not so high!
Jonas and Nathan get a turn.
Expending boy energy!
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Travel Tip 5: Skip Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
We liked the Tower of London Tour. I do believe Brad and I had Bob as our tour guide. And the jewels… fantastic. But I have to agree with Aidan… they’re too rich for their own good.
Shellie, looks like fun. And, thanks for the D90 pic. Keep them coming. Or, any other cool cars.
We miss you K2 already.