Tourists.

  

                                                                                                  Tourists, man.  Embrace being one! After only a day since arrival in the Mother Country, we got out there - by bus. Staying in London at my sister Kelly and her partner Nick’s place and having crossed Hamleys off the list, we wondered "What now?"  An open top, double-decker London bus adventure during the tail end of winter was the logical choice of course, and it was great!  We did the Tourist Attraction Tour (which is 2hrs 15 mins start to finish) and set ourselves up in the back row, top deck.  After donning many additional layers (the boys actually didn't whinge about putting on scarves, etc so I knew it MUST be cold), we scoffed our pre-packed cheese and vegemite and cheese and Branston pickle sandwiches and really enjoyed learning little titbits about London, its history and seeing the sights.

 

We got off at the Tower of London and spent many hours there.  The armoury was fabulous - so much effort gone into the tailoring of the suits - and Tyler’s favourite part of all was the jewellery exhibit. The various crown jewels were just outstanding and there was this punch bowl (such a horribly simplifiied name considering what you see before you) that was outrageously extravagant.  So much bright, yellow gold and as big as a baptism bath at any decent cathedral.  How much smoother punch would taste if you had this bowl front and centre at your house party!  Pete got his pic with the Beefeaters, so he was stoked.

This guy was a corker. Pete was being naughty - encouraging Charlie to go up and tickle him. The guard has the BEST dagger stare ever, though. We all felt the penetration of his look when he very, very slightly shook his head and stared - stared so hard at Pete he could kill him.

Now, we all love a good thunderbox when we go camping in Oz (don't you?) but seemingly so do the guards in the Tower of London!  Despite how threatening the Tower of London guards would have been with their weapons, leather and armour, nature still called!
Tip # If you were taking a turn in the gardens, you'd best keep clear of the tower walls.

The next day, we took advantage of the 48 hour validity of the bus tour tickets and did a Museum tour this time.  The science Museum was the stop off for us.  Getting only through 1.5 levels and being free entry, we thought we'd do the rest another time. 

As well as the 6 human emotions captured in sculpture, the boys added a couple more.  Tyler succeeded very well, although not sure what emotion you call that!