After a bit of a frustrating and exhausting delay for them getting here, Keith's parents made it to the UK! Keith, the girls, and I had stayed at a hotel in London the night before, after going to the Aquarium during the day. Keith got up first thing and drove to Heathrow to pick them up. The girls and I got up and got ready, ate some breakfast, and then hung out in the lobby waiting for them to arrive. And since it was the 14th anniversary of my 21st birthday, I decided that I would celebrate with an amaretto & orange juice while we waited!
After we got Mom & Dad's stuff settled into their room, we headed out for a pub lunch and for a tour of the Tower of London via the Underground.
Trinity Square Gardens
After lunch, we headed to the Tower of London. In the 1070s, William the Conqueror began to build a massive stone tower in the center of his London fortress, the likes of which had never before been seen in England. His intention was that his "White Tower" would not only dominate the skyline, but would also dominate the spirit of the people of London.
The menagerie at the Tower of London was moved & eventually evolved into the London Zoo--these were some of the statues that represented the animals that used to live here.
This gun and carriage was built in 1607 and weighs 5 3/4 tons. . .or tonnes :)
Above is a picture of a Roman city wall built in the late 2nd or early 3rd century which was used by William the Conqueror to form the eastern side of his castle.
The White Tower. . .Charlotte and I stayed outside because it was all steps. . and like many of the Royal places we have visited in the UK, photos weren't allowed because the items displayed are the personal property of the Royal family.
More "animals"
One of the antique pieces of weaponry we could see throughout the Tower.
I love Big Ben (and all the buildings right there along the Thames) when they are lit up at night!
This little one had a long, chilly day!!
And Mom & Dad were ready for a warm bed, too!! More on their trip soon!
