Make mine an English Breakfast - with an extra tea bag!

With it being the last full day in London, it would be putting it mildly to say that today was a whirlwind! Hitting up the National Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Globe Theater, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, and Hyde Park among others, these were just some of the highlights. Tomorrow we begin our journey toward Greece where things are bound to slow down – as is the way of the Greek lifestyle! We lived it up while in London, and soon R&R will come our way.

Here are today’s highlights:

After my failed attempts to see the inside of the Westminster Abbey yesterday, I was determined to make it inside today. Having spent an entire summer in Europe, I have seen a lot of churches, and it takes a lot to impress me. With a beautiful interior and stunning architecture I was wowed from the minute I walked in the door. Perhaps the most exciting was the coronation chair, where the Kings and Queens of England have sat to be granted ruling power of this mighty country – simply impressive. No pictures were allowed inside, but this is what I captured.

Next on my list was to visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. This theater is a replica of the original – complete with a thatched, open air roof. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to participate in a tour because of a play taking place. However, I was able to buy a standing room ticket to see the inside of the theater and was then able to tour the museum. With a nearly empty museum, I felt like I had the place to myself. Here I explored the making of the Globe Theater and other similar venues, costume making, set design, and of course, Shakespeare himself.

Across from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater rests the Millennium Bridge which leads to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Although the cathedral was closed for a private event, I thought it looked magnificent from the view on the bridge over the Thames River. Last summer I climbed all the spiral steps to the top of the dome and the view was impressive. Here are some shots from how I saw St. Paul’s today.

After visiting the Globe Theater I made my way to Twinings Tea. This narrow shop owned by the Twining family first opened its doors in 1717 and has been thriving ever since. While here I stocked up on all my favorite teas and ventured out to try some new and exotic flavors.

Lastly, I thought I would share some photos from our adventures of feeding pigeons and squirrels in Hyde Park. A crazy bird lady (complete with pigeons crawling on her head and pecking at her shoulders) convinced us to toss some peanuts to the pigeons and – wow – craziness ensued!

Tomorrow – Rhodes, Greece!