90 Degrees!

A good nights sleep makes all the difference, especially when you missed a night!

A nice pot of tea, ceral and fruit and off to Westminister Abbey - no jackets or umbrellas needed for sure. Everything is now timed tickets so need to get places before time as never know which door to use or what kind of security checks they will have.  Made it in time and joined the line for entry, security and picking up audio/multi media guides.  Even though one of earliest time slots the place was packed and anything but a cold stone church...was incredibly hot inside.  The guide is good and can go at own pace except the crowds dictate how fast you can actually go. We skipped some of small side chapels as just so crowded and how many chapels can you really take in at once? And of course you get to exit via the bookstore...sound familiar?

                                                  Refreshing and cleaning chandelier 

Such beautiful stained glass

They asked, via PA system, for everyone to please pause and observe a moment of prayer that was led by one of vergers.

After stopping at Pret A Manger for sandwiches and a cold drink we headed to Horse Guards and Trafalgar Square and then took bus back to Houses of Parliament. One can only walk so far in sun and 90 degrees! Bus had some cool air moving around but not enough.  This is exceptional heat for UK and buses and places just can't deal with it.  

I so wanted to be a little kid and jump in that fountain with the kids!!

As approached Houses of Parliament we were unable to cross street as protest going on. So ducked into a gift shop and let them pass.  When came out able to get across street and down to entrance we needed.  Again line for check-in and security checks and directions about picking up audio/multi-media guides.  Entrance is via Westminister Hall where many have gathered for happy and sad occasions. This is where Queen Elizabeth II laid in state and where Houses of Commons and Lords have gathered together to meet a number of foreign dignitaries, like Nelson Mandela. Although allowed to visit the Houses most areas roped off and definitely can't sit down and see what would be like at Prime Ministers Question Time! And guess what..you exit via Gift Shop! But just before Gift Shop is toilet and pretty fancy ones as can tell by the door🤣

Luckily not huge demonstration and appeared orderly.

Westminister Hall 

              Bathroom door amazing solid heavy wood and beautiful decorative brass!

Then headed to south Gardens along river and watched boats for awhile before heading to find a Pub for dinner and cold drinks!  Then home to watch BBC Last Night of the Proms. A great concert and crowd was really into it and amazing to watch!

Tomorrow -  Off to the Tower