London - Our Anniversary Trip

Can't believe it's been a year already!! Happy 1st Anniversary to us =)  It has really been a busy year full of lots of fun trips and new experiences overseas! We wanted to go somewhere fun for our anniversary. London won the vote!! I've heard about all sorts of great places to see and shop from friends over here, so I was definitely looking forward to this trip!! We knew by going in October we were totally chancing constant rain for the duration of the trip. However, mother nature was on our side and we only had two brief spells of rain. In fact, one day we had beautiful blue skies!!

Trying to stay warm during our ride on the iconic open air double decker bus!

After riding the bus around to see some of the sights, we started with a tour of the House of Parliament. Sorry, no picture taking allowed inside! It was interesting to learn a little about how their government works and how the monarchy is involved.

The Palace of  Westminster, also known as the House of Parliament

We are getting quite good at these self portrait shots =)

Most would see this picture and title it Big Ben; however, that is actually the name given to the bell inside the clock tower. The tower itself has been renamed Elizabeth Tower in tribute to the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee. 

My fave old hang out in Lawrence is called the Red Lyon. . . .we had to stop in for a pint!!

Enjoying a pint in the Red Lion!

We also took a tour of Westminster Abbey, built in 1245. The same church where Prince William and Kate were married last year. It's a church full of history with tombs of many famous people housed inside. I am totally guilty of watching the royal wedding on TV, so to be inside and see where it all happened was really cool. The Abbey is also the nation's Coronation church. We got to stand on the spot where Prince Charles and Prince William will one day be crowned King of England!

Westminster Abbey

No cameras allowed in Westminster Abbey, but I had to sneak one. It is so grandiose inside!!

View of the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey from the London Eye

Gotta love the iconic red telephone booths!

We had to take a ride on the London Eye.

 Next up on our tour of London was the Tower of London. It dates back to 1078 when the White Tower was constructed. At first it was a royal palace and then became a prison. It became famous for the torture and death that took place there with seven people executed within the tower walls and more commonly people executed outside the walls on the hill nearby.

Tower of London

The Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, have been the Royal bodyguard since at least the early 1500s. As the Tower of London became used more and more as a prison, their main duty was to look after the prisoners. Today they are ceremonial guardians of the Tower. They give tour guides of the Tower now and are also responsible for the safe keeping of the Crown Jewels which are housed there. They and their families actually also live in the Tower of London. To become a Warder you must be a senior non-commissioned officer with at least 22 years of service.

Here's our Yeoman Warder giving us our tour.

This is the White Tower, the first building of the Tower of London.

The building where you can find the Crown Jewels. They are really amazing to see in person!!

Guarding the Crown Jewels. . . I'm sure this guy will get a good luck at the bad guy! haha

There are six ravens that live at the Tower of London. It was once believed that if the ravens ever left then the tower and monarchy would crumble. Today one of the Yeoman Warders is responsible for looking after the ravens. And just to be sure the ravens don't leave they also clip their wings!

I thought this was interesting. . .if you had one of all the coins in the British currency, put them together as shown above.  They form a picture of  The Royal Coat of Arms of the UK. 

Right next to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge here behind us. 

Gates to Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace
Unfortunately the palace was closed for tours when we were there.

View of Buckingham Palace from the London Eye

Did you know that Hard Rock Cafe started in London in 1971?

We went out for a nice dinner for our anniversary. The restaurant was sweet and made us an extra dessert with a candle to celebrate!

Gotta get a quick self shot!

Our first anniversary

My wonderful husband even found a way for the hotel to deliver flowers to our room while we were out sight seeing the day of our anniversary. He is the best!! 

The Lion King musical production!!! I have wanted to see this performance since it hit Broadway 15 years ago.  There is a huge theater district in London, so I finally got the chance to see it. It was an amazing show!!!

We really had a wonderful time in London!! We just hit the tip of the iceberg with things to see and do. I can't wait to go back some day!!