London Bridges Falling Down

Sure I have passed through this world-class city but I have never spent time here. Steve’s friends Rob and Dave let us stay at one of their condos right on the Thames that they were not using. Right out our balcony we were surrounded by century old warehouses that have been unloading cargo since the old sailing ships ruled the sea. Now the warehouses are mostly fashionable residences owned by those that can afford the spectacular views. We used the same waterway by jumping on a catamaran that swiftly takes us to the center of London. Even though it is the first time I have spent time in London, everything strangely looks familiar. It is De Ja Vue all over again. There is Big Ben, and the parliament building, Westminster Abbey, and down the street is Buckingham palace. This is the London that Mary Poppins flew over with her umbrella and Peter Pan lead Wendy and her brothers by the hand as they flew above, on their way to Neverland. The closest we got to flying over the city is a ride on the Millennial Eye. And how can you not visit London without seeing the crown jewels. You gotta love these hunks of precious gems as big as a bar of soap that have been crowning royalty for centuries. We wander up and down the tower of London where Anne Boleyn and Mary, Queen of Scotts, lost their heads. It was like walking through a movie set. I was a bit disappointed to find out that Piccadilly Circus was no circus at all, but just means a circular road where several roads come together. Not a clown in site. And really, Buckingham Palace looks more like some boring government accounting building than a royal palace. I guess the inside is supposed to be pretty nice, but we were not invited in.