The worst part of updating this thing on the road is getting behind given time and internet constraints. At the moment, I'm writing about two days behind, and I fear that my second London recap's going to fall a little flat as a result. Oh well; my notes are fresher than my present state of mind, so here it goes...
The other day, I decided to split my English capital recap into two parts. This, the second part, delves into the sites that I think I actually made the most of, beginning with a few trips into Trafalgar Square and and ending the Imperial War Museum. Along the way, stops at the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Churchill's War Rooms and Museum will round out what I'm sure will be the first of a few trips to merry ole' England.
I arrived to the city after a couple good days in Oxford, Salisbury and Windsor by taxi. Unfortunately, my driver couldn't get to the hotel given the day's parade, so I had to hoof it a little. Fortunately, I was dropped near Trafalgar Square and got a good look at the parade's participants as well as the National Gallery and Nelson's Monument, the square's major landmarks.
The next day, the Mumms and I took a small tour back through the square towards the Houses of Parliament and the Westminster Bridge. On the other side of the river sat the London Eye. Originally built as a temporary view of the city to celebrate the year 2000, the site is now a permanent landmark, offering a festive fixture to the city's skyline.
After my mates and I split ways, I headed to Churchill's War Rooms and Museum. Located a level subsurface, the present day tribute to England's most famous 20th century Prime Minister sits where the old man ran England's war effort from 1940 to 1945. Split between remodeled bedrooms, map rooms and a kitchen and the museum, this experience was worth the 18 Euros for any history buff. Although the museum was a little eclectic, it was interesting to see some of the little known facts about old Winston. He was "awarded" an American citizenship after the war, he was captured - and escaped, becoming a hero - during the Boer War, and he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his documentary of the war years.
After a little walk across the river, I found the Imperial War Museum, which was considerably more inviting than the two cannons aiming down potential visitors outside indicated. Having only an hour to get through some of the museum, I went downstairs to the World War I, interwar years and World War II exhibits. Even then, 60 minutes wasn't enough, but the displays and layouts were great. The best part of the exhibits was the World War I "Trench Experience" that was tinged with a hint of chemical agent in the air.
The other day, I decided to split my English capital recap into two parts. This, the second part, delves into the sites that I think I actually made the most of, beginning with a few trips into Trafalgar Square and and ending the Imperial War Museum. Along the way, stops at the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Churchill's War Rooms and Museum will round out what I'm sure will be the first of a few trips to merry ole' England.
I arrived to the city after a couple good days in Oxford, Salisbury and Windsor by taxi. Unfortunately, my driver couldn't get to the hotel given the day's parade, so I had to hoof it a little. Fortunately, I was dropped near Trafalgar Square and got a good look at the parade's participants as well as the National Gallery and Nelson's Monument, the square's major landmarks.
The Western Entry into Trafalgar Square.
Nelson's Column, Commemorating the General's Victory over Napolean in 1805. Standing 43.5 meters high, it was erected in 1843.
Big Ben from Trafalgar Square. In the foreground, some of the thousands of Gay and Lesbian Parade participants that obstructed my cab ride.
The next day, the Mumms and I took a small tour back through the square towards the Houses of Parliament and the Westminster Bridge. On the other side of the river sat the London Eye. Originally built as a temporary view of the city to celebrate the year 2000, the site is now a permanent landmark, offering a festive fixture to the city's skyline.
The London Eye, when operating doesn't stop, so getting on and off requires a little timing. The trip was 30 minutes in a pod with about 20 other tourists. A money-maker, I'm not sure it was worth the 15 Euros, but we did get some great pictures.
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from the Eye.
The Strata Building from the Eye.
The Southern Thames and Westminster Bridge. Along the banks sit the MI5 and MI6 buildings.
The Cabinet Rooms next to HM Treasury from the Eye.
The following day, I hit the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. I've heard that the Queen's primary residence was a little bland and, yes, compared to Windsor Castle's historical layout - it was (but still pretty grand). The changing of the guard lasted about 30 minutes and was more a parade than anything else.
Outside Buckingham Palace, Steve's girls, Maddy and Abby ham it up with me.
The Palace where the Royals waved to all their supporters after Prince William wedded that Middleton chick.
Changing the Guard...
...almost there....
...almost. OK, after a bit, we decided to leave.
After my mates and I split ways, I headed to Churchill's War Rooms and Museum. Located a level subsurface, the present day tribute to England's most famous 20th century Prime Minister sits where the old man ran England's war effort from 1940 to 1945. Split between remodeled bedrooms, map rooms and a kitchen and the museum, this experience was worth the 18 Euros for any history buff. Although the museum was a little eclectic, it was interesting to see some of the little known facts about old Winston. He was "awarded" an American citizenship after the war, he was captured - and escaped, becoming a hero - during the Boer War, and he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his documentary of the war years.
Churchill's War Room...
...and the Cabinet who met there.
The Prime Minister's "Siren Suit," which he was fond of wearing.
The Prime Minister as a war correspondent during the Boer War. He was captured, escaped, and became a world-wide celebrity for his escapades.
The captured "Enigma" machine that the Alleys used to break the German code mid-way through the war.
Keys to the war room. Not included were the map rooms and other aspects of his operations center. This photo in particular reminded me of our Battalion Operation Center's key door in Iraq, 2006.
After a little walk across the river, I found the Imperial War Museum, which was considerably more inviting than the two cannons aiming down potential visitors outside indicated. Having only an hour to get through some of the museum, I went downstairs to the World War I, interwar years and World War II exhibits. Even then, 60 minutes wasn't enough, but the displays and layouts were great. The best part of the exhibits was the World War I "Trench Experience" that was tinged with a hint of chemical agent in the air.
The Museum's Atrium, a mish-mash of artifacts from every British conflict.
The entrance to the World War I exhibit displayed misery and horrors associated with the fighting. At no point during the 10 "welcoming" photos did I feel that war was "cool."
Recruiting in the UK looks a lot like it does in the US.
This way to the trenches...Communication was just a little different then...
A tribute to the Washers, which I took to be present-day combat engineers, tasked with clearing obstructions and creating lanes for the Infantry. Pretty bleak-looking dude.
Inside the "Trench Experience." With the nostrils picking up on a mustard agent replica, explosions going off every second and screams echoing through the 30 meter experience, no one could claim this museum was nostalgic for the war.
The Inter-War Years focused on the economic collapse of Germany and rise of the Nazi party, not to mention the latter's effective recruiting.
Highlighting the conflict in the Middle East, here's a replica of an artilleryman in Iraq.
"Monty." Sitting in the atrium, General Montgomery used this M3 Medium Tank during the Battle of El Alamein as a forward observation platform. Crewed by 6, it could reach a max speed of 29 mph for 160 miles.
Don't come back now, you hear!
There's too much to share for the time and space I give these things, so feel free to look up the slideshows and if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Next is Pamplona, where I had a much easier time scratching the surface of something else!
I had looked through your slide show of photos and wondered what museum had all the WWI stuff and planes - I'll put that on the to-do list. The only museum type tour I did while in London, was to see Wellington's house. It was interesting.
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