Today marks 400 all time views on my blog! Not too shabby since it's only been in existence for a little less than a month! Thanks to everyone who's been reading, and welcome to those of you who just found me!
Yesterday, I finally did something that I've been wanting to do for a long time, and something I had the opportunity but not the means to do twice in my life. I actually went into the Tower of London for a tour and visit! The first time I came to London as a student I was too broke to afford the entrance fee, and the second time I was with Anne, who had already been before. Plus that time we showed up too late for me to go in anyway. But this time....THIS time I was going in NO MATTER WHAT. I ordered a ticket online ahead of time, which was slightly cheaper, with the only drawback being that I had to commit to a date. I chose the day after my arrival, figuring that it would give me something to wake up for. So of course my eyes fly open and find the clock on my iPod only to see 11:00 am! Oops.
I got ready and headed into the city on the bus, walked over the Tower Bridge, collected my ticket and went inside. The Yeoman Warders (colloquially known as Beefeaters), who live at the Tower, also work as tour guides. I stood around for about 10 minutes reading a book about the Tower that one of Jenny's flatmates had lent to me, and then the tour began. Our Beefeater was really funny, and told us lots of bloody and gory tales of beheadings. He also taught us that there are actually 20 towers in the Tower of London. I knew there was more than just one, but I didn't know it was 20! The tour was pretty frickin' awesome, if you ask me. Our group was huge, but the tour only lasted an hour, at which time I broke away and went to see the Crown Jewels. Oh. Em. Gee. Amazing. I'll have to post my pictures later, since they're not on my computer yet and I should be going to bed soon!
Today I slept a bit late as well, got ready slowly and then took a walk down to Greenwich Market for a browse. I also visited the church where Henry VIII was baptized and Thomas Tallis is buried (did anyone out there watch The Tudors?), and saw the Cutty Sark. After a stroll back, I hung out with Jenny, her boyfriend and her flatmates for the evening, much like the night before. We cooked dinner and talked until it was time to figure out my travel plans for tomorrow morning. At 7:00 am, I will embark on a nearly 3 hour journey up to Dunstable to see one of my best friends get married!! I think it'll be like my cousin's wedding - I'll be totally fine until the moment it starts, and then I'll probably cry like a little girl. But I have been asked to be the photographer tomorrow, since I'll be one of the only non-family members there! So I have to keep it together a little bit. They'll have a legit photog for the ceremony on Saturday, but I still want to do a good job. And to think, if I hadn't gone to teach in France in 2007, I would never have met her and I wouldn't be here right now. So glad that I did. :-)
Ok, I'm supposed to wake up in 6 hours and I'm getting a little tired, so I think I shall go. No posts until Sunday when I get back, so à dimanche!
*P.S. - another good friend of mine with French connections is getting married this very weekend in NY, and I, of course, can't be there. We met during our study abroad year in college and have kept in touch ever since. Kate, I'm sorry I can't be there, and I hope you have an amazingly beautiful day with your family and friends! Gros, gros bisous à toi et Steve!*
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