Big Bus Tour of London- Made it to Buckingham Palace

Today was fantastic! We had breakfast in our hotel and walked down the street to catch the Big Bus Tour of London. It was fantastic!! We went to the top of this nice double decker bus. It was a gorgeous day; couldn't have asked for better, cooler weather. We clipped in our earphones and listened to all the commentator had to say about the buildings and events that happened at whatever site we happened to be at or passing by at in any given moment. My earbuds kept falling out because I have little ears and Mr. Stephens kept joking, "I think you've lost something there!" He was funny. Here is a link to the Big Bus Tour. Click on this link to see pictures of all the exciting sites we visited as we passed through.

We had previously decided we would get off the bus at the Tower of London. We adventured through the castles and heard tales of the traitors who were beheaded. One thing we learned is that before a traitor would be beheaded, he or she would give the executioner some money like a tip (or bribe maybe)so that they would perform the execution swiftly and cleanly. The guide said this is how we developed the term "severence pay" (which now means money that is paid to some people (usually those with high paying jobs like executives to leave their job.) Also, we learned that executions were a big event like the Super Bowl or something in London as people had little to do for entertainment. The people would bring their family and pack a picnic lunch and have a good time. (Kind of creepy if you ask me.)

We were able to see the crown jewels that the kings and queens wear during their coronations. Oh My Goodness.... they are a sight to behold! Beautiful.

We left the Tower of London and went to Buckingham Palace. See video footage of changing of the guard by clicking on the link. It was amazing as well. The gate has gold on the top of it and we posed for some pictures. We also were able to see the guards at the gate. They were marching which we found exciting.

We rode a boat in the Thames back near the hotel to catch a taxi. It was an extremely busy day and we can't wait to get out and tour the Victoria and Albert museum tomorrow.