The Infamous Tower of London

When I knew that Michael and I would be stopping by London on our way back to the U.S., I knew that one of the days would be spent solely at the Tower of London. With such a rich history (it was founded in 1066) and the sheer size of the Tower complex, it was quite easy for Michael and I to spend the entire day of the 8th inside the Tower walls.

(The Tower from the outside.)

(Two Yeomen who still guard the tower, still subjecting guests to the many horrors of the tower.)

If these walls could talk, the story would be horrific, telling of doomed souls who entered the tower with their only exit being an escort up tower hill to the execution block. Though some of the Tower's prisoners did live to tell of their time there, the Tower has an infamous reputation and for good reason.

Walking over what was once a moat filled with lions, and continuing past the multitude of gates leading into the interior of the tower complex, one can not help but cringe. With the Bloody Tower and Traitor's Gate being the first things one sees upon entering, one can not help but think of the role this tower played in the loss of so much life.

The above picture is of the Traitor's gate. This water entrance into the Tower had actually been originally built as a mode of entry for the King, but came to be used as a mode of bringing prisoners of high importance into the prison. To enter in this way one must have passed under the Tower bridge, which displayed the heads of other 'traitors'. Needless to say it must have been an almost torturous way to enter a prison from which you might not leave alive. This gate acquired its colloquial name of the Traitor's Gate during the rule of the Tudors when it was extensively used. Queen Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, and Queen Catherine Howard were amongst those forced to use this entrance.

During our visit at the tower an acting troop put on a dueling demonstration on the South lawn. Though it was slightly historically inaccurate since a duel ever having taken place within the tower is highly unlikely, it was fun to watch.

The entire time we were in the tower we were constantly learning. We both had known a significant amount about the Tower of London before going there (I had also been there before), but with a place such as this it seems impossible to not learn something new.

The above picture is of a Royal Chapel that had been constructed in the White Tower to provide the Monarch and the royal family with a private chapel. Due to her royal status, this is the place where Lady Jane Grey (the uncrowned Queen executed at the age of 16) spent the night before her execution praying. Like I have previously said one can not help but to feel a sense of despair when you are standing in such a place.

And if one had not already felt the anguish of the Tower's prisoners, go to the Tower Green where the Yeoman will tell you of the private execution spot of the privileged prisoners, such as Baron William Hastings, Queen Anne Boleyn, Countess Margaret, Queen Catherine Howard, Viscountess Jane Boleyn,  Lady Jane Grey (the 9 days Queen), and Earl Robert Devereux. They were all buried in the Chapel Royal of St. Peter Ad Vincula, along with over one thousand other bodies of 'influencial' prisoners, many of which can not be identified.

The Tower of London is a must see, but be prepared for shivers down your spine as the Yeomen tell you the Tower's tales.

The Tower of London was our last major stop in London during our trip, and I must say it was a powerful conclusion. Michael and I really enjoyed London; Michael is already talking about what we will do when we come back to this great city.

Cheerio!!

A Day at the London Eye and Westminster Abbey

Walking around London it is hard to miss the looming ferris wheel like structure in the background. Having caused a significant amount of controversy when first constructed (people were worried about the look of the London skyline), the London Eye stands today as one of the biggest (Definitely the Tallest) tourist destinations in London.

And so, on the 7th of June we boarded one of the capsules of the London Eye to see the city from a bird's eye view. For the duration of the half hour ride one has a spectacular view of London, particularly of Big Ben.

 (Big Bend from a quarter of the way up)

 (Three Quarters of the way up)

 (The view from the top, which also provides a look at the capsules of the London Eye)

 To look out over the city really helps one put it all in perspective. To see the intermixing of old and new buildings from above you get a look at today's London, a place where both history and modernity have their place.

After seeing London from above we headed to another of London's most popular tourist destinations, Westminster Abbey. Having been to the Abbey before (in November) I knew that it would be a place for Michael to see. Though slightly eerie due to the over 3,500 bodies under the floor, it is worth the visit due to the amount of British history that this Abbey contains. With the bodies of royalty, as well as writers, and scientists (believe it or not Darwin is buried here) Westminster is a time capsule of sorts.

After learning from one of the vergers about the history that Westminster Abbey contains, both within its walls and under its floors, the day was drawing to a close and the only thing left to do was to enjoy a meal of Fish and Chips at the local pub.

Cheerio!!

A Day At The British Museum!

On the 6th of June we spent the entire day in the British Museum (from the time they opened to the time they closed). We both thought that it was a fantastic day. The British Museum is one of those places that both my brother and I would love to spend about a week in. However, due to our limited time in London we had to resist temptation and only spend a day at this incredible museum. Together we took hundreds of pictures in the museum, for it contains many items that are truly irreplaceable and utterly priceless to the history of our world. However since I don't wish to bore anyone with an extensive display of images from the museum Michael and I have picked our favorite images to share with you.

 Due to the extensive nature of what was the British Empire, England was able to acquire, through sometimes questioned methods, countless pieces of ancient history. There Egyptian section alone will put one in awe due to the enormity of the collection as well as the pristine condition of the pieces. The above picture is a picture of the Goddess Hathor, from around 1400 B.C..

In the above picture Michael is standing in front of a statue of Ramesses II, from about 1270 BC. This statue had actually been part of a pair of statues in the King's mortuary temple in western Thebes.

The above picture shows just one of the halls containing countless Egyptian artifacts.

When most people hear the name Rosetta Stone, they are thinking about the language software. However, if you are familiar with history you will know that the Rosetta Stone is quite literally a stone. This fragment of a larger stone slab recorded a decree from the 27th of March 196 B.C.. And what, may you ask, is so special about this decree. This decree is important to historians and linguists because it was the key to unlocking the mystery of hieroglyphics. Since at the time of the decree Egypt was ruled by the Greek dynasty the decree was written first in hieroglyphs, then in Demotic, then in Greek. Studying this tablet allowed scholars to crack the code of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The British Museum is home to more than just Egyptian artifacts. One of our favorite sections besides the Egyptian was that of ancient Greece. The above picture is a bust of Alexander the Great. Still today many view Alexander the Great as one of the best generals and kings to have ever existed. Much of the story of his life is shrouded in myth and legend, adding to his reputation as an impressive figure.

 A pig with a pig. That is Michael's title for this picture which is, not to any one's surprise, one of his favorites. This ceramic pig comes from one of the only surviving series of sacrificial statues of pigs left in the world. The pigs used to be sacrificed (either statue versions or the real thing) in rituals dedicated to Demeter or Persephone (Kore). The reason for this may lie in Greek mythology for as Persephone was being swallowed by the earth in Hades attempt to abduct her, several pigs that were nearby were also engulfed by the earth.

One of the most incredible exhibits that must be seen should you go to the British Museum is the remains from the Parthenon. The above is just one of numerous panels that the museum has from this Ancient Greek temple on the Athenian acropolis.This exhibit is also one of the most controversial that the museum contains for many disagree with the British Museum housing these Greek artifacts. Regardless of the sentimental feelings involved, one can not ignore that the British Museum has a better track record of preserving and maintaining such pieces. Therefore for the reason of the best preservation of these priceless pieces of world history, I am glad that they are in the British Museum.

All in all our visit to the British museum was fantastic, though we both wish we had been able to spend several days there.Above is another of Michael's favorite pictures, one where I am developing strategy and prioritizing what exhibits to see in the limited time that we had.

Cheerio!

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

On the fifth of June my brother Michael and I arrived in London, our final destination on our trip around Europe. Shortly after depositing our luggage at the Hotel concierge we were following the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk towards Buckingham palace.

As we got closer and closer to the palace we noticed that there was a huge crowd surrounding the palace. Thinking that perhaps we simply didn't know about a scheduled appearance of one of the royals we joined in the crowd waiting for something to happen.

(The view of Buckingham Palace from my perch on the fence)

While waiting we learned that the crowd was not, in fact, there to see any royals, but to see the changing of the guard. I found the sheer number of people gathered to witness a routine changing of the guard amusing, since in Copenhagen at most there may be 20 people watching the changing of the guard and that is usually people who happen to be walking by. Thinking that it would be exciting to see why the English changing of the guard attracts such an audience I found a perch which compensates for my lack of height, and waited to see the british guards coming up the path.

And come they did, to the playing of the honor band and the clicking of hundreds of cameras.

Once they got inside Buckingham gate the band played a medley of songs from The Wizard of Oz before actually beginning the process of changing the guards. After almost an hour worth of songs, and marching close to the gate so tourists could take pictures of the stoic english guards, they finally managed to change the guards.

 The process of the honor band and relieved guards exiting out of the palace gates was also quite a show with ample fanfare to appease the eager tourists looking on.

 The view from my perch, which Michael had joined me at so as to get better pictures, was truly ideal for when the guard exited. Though it did become slightly more dangerous to be balanced on the fence when hundreds of people realized that your spot was where they wanted to be.

Despite the precarious nature of where we were located we were able to get some amazing pictures of the honor band and guards as they left Buckingham palace.

I found the security and measures put in place to facilitate a routine changing of the guards to be slightly crazy. With barriers, traffic cones, many armed police, extreme amounts of fanfare and hundreds of people in the audience the British changing of the guard was like nothing I had ever seen.

Being able to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham was a great way to kick off our trip to London.

Cheerio!

Parisian Glass Pyramids!

All our lives, my brother Michael and I have been academically minded people, fascinated with learning about the world around us... what some people may call "geeks". Therefore it will not be surprising to any who know us that, on our four day trip to Paris, we spent an entire day at the Louvre.

On June the 4th we got to the museum approximately one hour before it opened its doors, with the intention that being one of the first through the doors we would be able to see the Mona Lisa before the crowd around her becomes so great that she is impossible to see. And I am happy to report that our plan was a success, as we were person number three and four in the room with this great work of art.

One of the great things about the Louvre as a museum is that not only does it house art, the museum itself is a piece of art. While display cases, and painting may line the walls, if you look up you will discover the art that has always been a part of this place that has come to hold many of the world's most valued treasures.

 (One of the ceilings int the Louvre)

To describe all that the Louvre contains would be impossible, for despite having spent an entire day there we still did not get to everything. Here are two of my favorite pieces.

 The above statue is the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace statue of the greek goddess Nike. Made sometime in the 2nd century BC this statue has been at the Louvre since the 1880s. The wear that time has had on the statue, in my opinion, adds to its general air of power and mystery. The statue, to me, represents perseverance despite the odds against you.

 Baboons in Egyptian times were well regarded for their intelligence, and the god Baba was well known for his wisdom. Baboons were also said to guard the first gate to the underworld. So, despite not knowing the finer details on the statue above, this statue is one of my favorites from the Louvre.

All in all, the Louvre is an incredible museum, and I would like to go back someday to see more of the items on exhibit.

With our plane to London early the next morning, our trip to the Louvre concluded our trip to Paris. So as I packed my bags once again I said, "Au Revoir" to Paris, and was looking forward to our time in London.

Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens, Pantheon

On the third of June our goal was to see two of the well known Parisian tourist destinations, and two that are not as heavily visited. After our Parisian breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate we traveled by metro (which has been our main form of transportation) to Sacre Coeur.

This still active Catholic church is not only gorgeous inside and out but it has a spectacular view of Paris from the top tower.

(Please note the Eiffel Tower in the distance)

These magnificent views are due to Sacre Coeur or Sacred Heart being located on the summit of Montmartre, which is the highest point of elevation in the city of Paris.

After taking in the views before the Basilica was swarmed with tourists, we moved on to the next site, where we knew avoiding long lines of tourists would be simply impossible. I am referring, of course, to Notre Dame.

After waiting outside for almost an hour we did get to go into the church. Even from the outside one can tell why this cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Once in the cathedral you can not help but to feel in awe of the enormity of the structure which is seemingly in balance with the delicate, minute details in every pane of stained glass.

Despite the allure of the cathedral, we decided to leave it for a destination off the usual path for tourists in Paris. We headed, again by metro, to the Latin Quarter. Passing by the facilities of the Sorbonne we meandered into the lush Luxermbourg Gardens, where Parisians of all ages were taking advantage of the warm weather.

From picnics, to sunbathing, to sailing model boats the garden was quite full of life.

Resisting the temptation to spend the remainder of the day lounging with the locals, we headed off to our last stop for the day, the Panthéon.

Also located in the Latin Quarter the Panthéon was originally built in honor of St. Genevieve. Now it is a secular mausoleum. The Panthéon is the final resting place for French citizens who have made significant contributions to both French people and the people of the world. These people include Vistor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, Lazare Carnot, Jean Monnet, René Cassin, as well as Marie, and Pierre Curie.

Though jam packed, our day was not only enjoyable but, as is always the case when you visit such historical places, we learned a lot. Experiencing these places, walking down the halls, breathing the same air as people before you, is quite humbling.

À tout à l'heure!

Le Tour des Fountaines - A day at Versailles

Despite only being in Paris for four complete days, Michael and I decided to dedicate one of the days to exploring Versailles. Commonly known for the extravagance of the sun king, and more fountains in the gardens than the local water supply can handle at the same time, we know Versailles as much more.

With questioned loyalties, and ploys of conspiracy Louis the fourteenth decided to move the court from Paris proper to an estate he had designed particularly for the purpose. This estate, Versailles, would host more than 5,000 people of significance at one time, plus their entourages. At least one significant member of every noble family was required to stay at Versailles, ensuring the family’s cooperation. Being on one estate, isolated from their former privacy, the King could ensure that no members of the court plotted against him. Perhaps this information puts the saying, stuck in a gilden cage, in a new light.

(The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles)

After touring the inside of the complex we walked for hours in the gardens.

 In addition to seeing Trianon, the castle used to house visitors of particular importance, we saw many of the countless fountains, as well as gorgeous statues that the garden has within its bounds.

Starting at 3:30 in the afternoon we completed a marathon of fountains, since between 3:30 and 5 the majority of working fountains in the gardens were turned on as a part of the Grandes Eaux Musicales.

At 5:30 the Neptune fountain was turned on and we were able to witness one of the sun king’s crowning glories in fountain design.

After a little over ten hours at Versailles we headed back to our hotel happy that we had taken the day to see this complex that we had heard so much about.

À tout à l’heure!!