Real pomp

Today started out cool and overcast, and no sooner did we get to the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace than it started to rain. All I could think was 'welcome to London!'. Even in the rain, the Changing of the Guard is amazing to watch. The pomp is incredible, and two bands march in to accompany the guards. We hopefully got some good pictures, but there were so many people it was hard to tell. I actually want to go back over to Buckingham to take more pictures of the statuary there.

 From Buckingham we took the underground to Tower Hill and the Tower of London. They are doing reenactments and skits - in period costumes - all over the Tower. The Crown Jewels are still amazing and spectacular. The size of some of those diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires made my mouth drool. By the time we were at the Tower and through the end of the day the weather stayed sunny though not as warm as yesterday.

 Rather than try to run anywhere, we headed from the Tower to the Globe Theatre around 5:15. For awhile we just sat and watched people go by. Incredible the number of different languages you hear along the Thames. About 6:15 we headed to the box office and picked up our tickets for "Taming of the Shrew" - then dashed into the Swan for a drink. We met a lovely local couple while we sat outside enjoying our beers. They suggested checking out the performances at Regent's Park. As much as I love "Taming" it still wasn't as good as the 1973 ACT production that toured and played Broadway. This was well done, but the commedia 'dell arte style of the '73 was fast and furious in it's pacing. This one dragged a bit. Still excellent, but I compare all productions by ACT's.

So, we are back at the apartment and it's 12:40 am. I am tired, my legs ache from all the walking, though at least we weren't groundlings. We were in the top level with cushions - I would have had to be born to the ruling class back in the 1590's because my butt needs to be in a seat. Good time today. Now I need to sleep. 'Night all.