Bus Tour

Today we did a little bus tour around the city. We were on an old school double decker bus (which I now realized I failed to take a picture of). It was really interesting and the tour guide was so knowledgeable about everything we went by! I feel like I learned more from her in that 3 hour time period than I have on my own since I've been here. Some highlights included:

The National Gallery. I am super excited to go to this with my Art and Society class. I prefer the Impressionists, but I'm generally not picky. 

Here we have Parliament. The woman was telling us that the name Big Ben doesn't refer to the clock (as I previously thought), but actually the 3 thousand pound bell that is inside the tower. 

I can't remember what this is, but I like it. It reminds me of Roman architecture.

Here we have the lions at Trafalger Square. Our tour guide was telling us that while the sculptors/designers did a anatomical study of a lion that had recently passed away at the London Zoo, the front paws were still created wrong. I guess when lions are at rest, they instinctively curl one paw inward. So the pose that the sculptures form would be an unnatural position for real lions to hold. It makes sense that the sculptors wouldn't realize that from studying a deceased lion in the mid-1800's.

We didn't stop here, but I intend to go back.

Here we have another one of London's many bridges that expand over the Thames. (FYI: This is the same one from the boat tour)

The tower! Our guide was telling us that the Tower of London was actually built as a castle by William the Conquerer sometime in the late 1000's to display his newly found power over (what is now) England.

The Thames used to be a mile and a half wide and during the early days of the Tower's use, a boat could be maneuvered through a gate and right into the Tower's premises. 

This says, "Entry to the traitor's gate". Prisoners of the Tudors were often escorted in via this gate and the heads of beheaded victims were displayed along its entry.

Here we have one entrance (I believe in the back) of Westminster Abbey. 

A better angle of the back side of the Abbey. One day I plan to go inside and maybe catch a service here.

Royal Mail post box. Fun fact: it's painted gold in honor of a British Olympian who won a gold medal during this summer's olympics! A post box is painted gold for each one of Team GB's gold medals/medalists It is chosen based on its proximity to the winner's home. One of our study abroad advisors said this is the first one she's seen so I felt very honored!

The Metropolitan Police on their awesome green and blue checked BMW motorcycles.

This is the bottom half of a memorial for Prince Albert, beloved husband of Queen Victoria. Their love story is just one of the reasons why she is one of my favorite queens of England. I highly recommend the film Young Victoria staring Emily Blunt. Its truly fantastic.

Here we have the Bank of England. As a part of Open House London (which happens only once a year!) hundreds of buildings that are normally closed off to the public are opened for one weekend. Our tour guide said the Bank is one of the most popular spots because (I believe) it is not used anymore. But don't quote me on that.

Last but not least, we have the Horse Guards (which is actually the name of the building as well!). The horses are rotated out every hour because standing on the uneven pavement can cause their hooves to swell and they can die of blood poisoning. The guards work a 24-hour shift every three days.