Tower of London & Tower Bridge

     Last Sunday, my good friend, Cori, came to London for vacation for a few days with her boyfriend, Charlie, and we went to see the Tower of London.  An AWESOME time!!!  I have not seen Cori in seven years, but we talked as if we just saw each other last week.  Anyway, we went to the Tower of London and it was very interesting to learn about its history.  We got those headset & recorders to do your own walking tour, but we could not get our bearings and the recorder to be in sync.  I just took mine off halfway through the tour.

    The first thing we came to was "Traitor's Gate."  This is where they would bring in those who were accused of being traitor's to the crown.  The water is a direct link to the River Thames.  Even though the river is very near the tower, a moat was built around the original tower because the banks of the Thames was farther away than today.  Right across from Traitor's Gate, we entered the Tower of London under The Bloody Tower.  This is where "famous" prisoners were held, like Anne Bolyen and the Two Princes (Prince Edward V and his borther, Richard of Shrewsbury).  There are many original portions of walls and stone which are clearly visible.  When we walked inside the tower, we had to climb a very lengthy, spiral stairwell to get to the top.  It was very cool, yet eerie.

     In one of the other prison towers, we could see the carvings of the walls of past prisoners (see picture).  Although there were many executions in the Tower of London, only a few "famous" prisoners were executed in the publlic courtyard.  The tower is fully staffed with Yeomen Warders (also known as Beefeaters), at all times and answer to the Constable of the Tower. Yeomen Warders have served as defenders of the Crown Jewels and prison guards since the time of Queen Victoria.  The crowned jewels were BEAUTIFUL; however, that seemed like a waste of money for this contry just sitting behind secured glass.  There was sooooooo much gold and diamonds that could easily put a HUGE dent in this country's deficit.  Oh well.

     We finally made our way into the White Tower.  This is the original tower/fortress build by William the Conqueror in 1078 A.D.  Other towers and walls were built after his reign.  The White Tower is the place of the armory for England's history.  King Henry VIII's suit of armor indicates that he "thought very highly of himself in the man area."  Cori and I laughed at this king's "big head."  There were many of the torture devices, weaponry, suits of armor, and statues of the horses of various kings.  There was just so much to see in the Tower of London.  Cori, Charlie and I were able to see just about all of it before it closed.

     After we exited the tower, we walked down by the River Thames to look at the Tower Bridge.  And, much to our surprise and LUCK, the drawbridge opened!!!  I could not believe my eyes!!!  So cool!!!  It is said that the drawbridge does not open that often, but if you see it when it does open, then "luck" is in the near future -- and, boy, do I need it now!!!  We did not have time to go to the top of the Tower Bridge since it was Sunday afternoon and most things were closing; however, we did walk onto the bridge to experience its majesty.  After that, Cori, Charlie, and I went to dinner at an English pub near Piccadilly Square.  I loved just talking to Cori and spending time with her.  After seven years, we really have not changed much.  Oh sure, lots of things within our lives happened and some things changed, but neither one of us have changed "who we truly are."  After dinner, I headed back to the Tube and Cori and Charlie went for frozen yogurt.  It was very hard to say "good-bye" to Cori.  I know that it will not be seven years before we see each other again.  I will make sure of that!!!  Last Sunday was a great day!!!

I love you, Cori, and miss you so much.  I just love laughing with you!!!  Talk to you soon, sweetie.