London, Day Two

We started our first full day in London with a quick breakfast of pastries (and Starbucks), then a trip on the Tube to Westminster Abbey -- home of the famous dead people, including Queen Elizabeth I and Darwin Everyone seemed to get a good night's sleep (thanks to a Benadryl) and adjust well to Greenwich time.

We got to the Abbey fairly early so the crowds weren't too bad. The most interesting thing to Garin was learning about the history of the Abbey and the blending of church and state when the ties with Rome were severed. After that, the Abbey seems to have become half museum of state and half church.

After the abbey, we popped over to see the houses of Parliament. We sat in the House of Lords for a few minutes and listened to an unlively discussion on a children's welfare bill--really rather dull. But the highlight was just getting to see the inside of the chambers and public spaces in the building. It's really an amazing bit of gothic architecture.

And then it was on to the Tate Modern Museum to get a bit of 20th century culture. We all enjoyed the discussion-provoking art--some more in-your-face than others. From Picasso and Pollack to some very strange nude films. Courtney then (it was 4 p.m.) needed feeding, so we set off to find snacks eventually placating her with an egg and watercress sandwich on the green by the river.

On our walk back to the Tube, we pass by St. Paul's Cathedral (closed) and saw one of the public art pianos on our way. Apparently the City of London, as part of a public art project, has chosen to drop pianos in public spaces in a number of places around the city. The piano between St. Paul's and the Millennium Bridge was being well-played by a young chap who could have been at Carnegie Hall--amazing blues/ragtime/pop/showtunes.

After a rush-hour train ride and a walk through the Portobello Road shopping district we arrived home to have a glass of burgundy and prepare for an evening meal. Anna wants Italian!