Today, two major aims. 1. To come to terms with the new camera, and 2. to go to the Tower of London.
The new camera body is much the same as the old one, but the controls are a little different, so there's a little bit of a learning curve.
So, off to the tower. We are now well used to the tube, so we got ourselves across to Tower Hill station, from which it was just a short walk. We bought our tickets at an outlet on the way in, and this allowed is to bypass the long queues at the Tower's own ticket office.
Walking round to the entrance, we passed the ice rink that has been set up in the moat. Pity we missed the poppies last month, but the Tower of London always has something interesting going on.
Paul is a good spot to stop off for coffee!
When we got in, we went into the Medieval Palace, built in rhe period of Henry III and Edward I. This hall had been dressed according to the period, and is inhabited by characters who play the parts of earls and ladies in waiting of the period — and who talk to the visitors imparting information about the day-to-day life of the 13th century. We were there on December 6, so we were told the story of the boy bishop, who was appointed on this day, the feast of St Nicholas, and who performed all the offices of the bishop (except the mass) until December 28, Holy Innocents' Day.
They have these wonderful wire animal statues!
In 1471, King Henry IV was murdered
in this chapel in the Medieval Palace
We wandered the Tower, meeting up with the 'Beefeaters', or The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary — what a name!!
We went into the White Tower, the keep of the castle, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It currently houses the Royal Armories collection, a comprehensive collection of armour and weapons dating back to medieval times.
We were intrigued by this cannon,
with a lion seemingly swallowing the barrel
From the Tower, we made our way to and across the Tower Bridge. The day was dying, so the lights were starting to make everything look magic — and, incidentally, were becoming an interesting test for the new camera!
On the other side of the Thames we found the London Bridge City Christmas Market — we were afraid we would miss out on all the Christmas markets, but London, we love you — you've put one on just for us!
We walked through the market on our way to London Bridge Underground Station on our way back to Piccadilly Circus. On the wat, we passed through Hay's Galleria, where there is an amazing kinetic steampunk sculpture by David Kemp, The Navigators.
Oh, and by the way, the verdict on the camera — love it!!
I have read for the past two nights to catch up .. Although I will have to go back to have another look at the detail of the Code Breakers .. the section for 'geeks' ☺
ReplyDeleteMust admit it seems impossible that you are no longer in Gertie. What an unrepeatable experience she has taken you on!
Do hope the new owners have much enjoyment and many memorable moments.
Weather here is much like where you are ... NOT!
Adelaide has just had its hottest December night in 108 years .. It was still over 31°C at 7.30 am.
You have had a feast of travel, and music. Delighted that the new NIKON camera body has passed muster because the old one has helped your travels come to life over here.
Not long now and you will once again be deported to the Colonies to serve out a lifetime of penal servitude 😊
Love from R & D.
Russell has said it all excpet I suppose it was the English lion eating the guns of would be invaders. The city Hall looks like it's about to roll on. I likw the other tall football shaped building better. The Shard is hidden i clouds at times. Wonder how the aircraft navigate around it. Love ya, Cathy
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