The Tower!

Yesterday, after being awoken by noisy student protests in Russell Square, we finally made it to the tower! Liz was still feeling under the weather so I went with Zigrang,  John and Kevin. I felt like a little kid going to Disney World for the first time, because I am that nerdy.

The Tower from the Ticket Booth

Outer Wall of the Tower

Since we arrived only an hour before the tower closed for the evening we had to take a speed tour. Alex Zigrang had been there before and was able to direct us to the most important parts of the complex, more specifically the crown jewels. Sadly, we couldn't take any pictures of the jewels, so I won't be able to post a picture of my new crown (after my marriage to Prince Harry, it will be mine). There was a lot to see, and even though we were pressed on time, we managed to get through just about every part of the tower.

THE TOWER!!

The White Tower

The Royal Raven Keep

I love all of the tradition and history that is present in a place like the Tower. For example, the ravens of the tower are a national symbol. It is said that if all of the ravens leave the tower the monarchy will cease to exist. Therefore, though several ravens are free to wander, many are kept in an enclosure beside the white tower.

A 5 ton canon

More Views of the Tower

King Edward I ruled from the tower. We got to walk through his residence. I very gracefully fell on my face in his royal throne room when I missed a step coming down off of a raised window platform. I strongly suspect this was Edward I's ghost attacking me because of my Scottish heritage. Edward I is also known as Edward Longshanks, the king who was famously portrayed in Braveheart as a ruthless oppressor of the scots. Jokes on you Longshanks, I came away with only some bruising on my knees.

Edward Longshank's Bedchamber

Worst Staircase Ever

Shortly before falling on my face

After leaving the tower at closing, sadly without successfully getting a picture of a beefeater, we made our way across tower bridge to find somewhere to eat.

Tower Bridge!

Classic Angle

View of the Tower from Tower Bridge

We walked around a bit before jumping on the tube and making our way to Angel in Islington. The tube station at Angel has the longest escalator in Europe. Other than this wonderful attraction, the area has a lot of shops, bars and restaurants. We stopped at an Indian restaurant. The Indian food in London is legendary, and even though I have only had Indian once before, I was excited to try it again. I found that I still am not a fan of spicy foods, but I did have Chicken Thali that I enjoyed. I don't think that I will be eating Indian any more often, but I did enjoy trying some new things. 

Today I am spending my Sunday sleeping and catching up on some work. Though I was feeling better yesterday, I may have pressed my luck to far. Walking around in the cold English weather all day has set my healing process back, and I yet again cannot properly breathe and have a cough. Tomorrow we have class, a walking tour and a play to attend, so I don't know how long it will be before I can properly rest up and get over this sickness!