A Day in London

London –

Cheerio All,

Today we did London.  We were all over this huge city.  We did not realize how large the city of London actually was.  We started at the Westminster Bridge.  Westminster Bridge is the oldest bridge in London.  It is a road and foot traffic bridge over the River Thames between Westminster on the north side and Lambeth on the south side, in London.  The bridge is painted predominantly green, the same color as the leather seats in the House of Commons.  

We went on the London Eye.  It is a gigantic Ferris Wheel that looms over the River Thames. The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom, behind the River Severn.

The London Eye is a structure that is 443 ft tall and the wheel has a diameter of 394 ft.  It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and is one of the most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually.  The ferris wheel has 32 sealed passenger capsules, that are attached to the external circumference of the wheel and rotated by electric motors.

We went to Big Ben. Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The clock tower is now officially called the Elizabeth Tower, and was renamed to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee. The Elizabeth Tower holds the largest four faced chiming clock in the world and is the third tallest free standing clock tower.

I have a message from Erin for her PACT Teacher, Mrs. Vogt.  Erin found another reason why the penny coin should not be eliminated.  Look at this picture and the information about Big Ben and how they use pennies to help set the time.   

We went to Westminster Abbey; The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster.  Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly gothic church.  It is located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.  It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for monarchs.  It was beautiful.  We took the self-guided tour throughout the entire church.  It was so informative.  Shannon enjoyed it very much.  We spent a while here, just sitting and looking around.  The ceilings, walls, floor and windows are simply beautiful.

We went to Buckingham palace. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch.  It is located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis.

We ended our night out for dinner and dessert.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner and had ice cream at Fentons.

We are heading home tomorrow morning.  We had a terrific time in London.  We enjoyed our time and will look forward to coming back. 

This was a terrific trip.  It was a whirlwind between Scotland and England, the dancing and the sightseeing.  Our next trip will be much closer to home.  We are heading to Boston is a few weeks.  The girls are dancing in the ‘Worlds’.  It will be our first time to that great city and are looking forward to it.

Cheerio for now,

Sharon