Monday morning we took the bus and tube to Parliament and Big Ben. As we walked
    past these impressive buildings, Tom corrected our thinking on Big Ben... it isn't the clock
    but the bell behind the clock that is called "Big Ben." It is named after the man who made
    the bell (a big man whose name was Ben!).

           We then took a boat ride on the Thames to see London from the river - it was
    beautiful.

      We disembarked at the Tower of London, where we saw
 the crown jewels and took a Beefeater tour. This place has
 a grisly past. Many prisoners entering the gates never walked
 out again, including two wives of Henry VIII and two young
 brothers who were in line to be King of England.

      The traitor's gate is labeled on the outside and on the
 inside you can see the steps that prisoners were led up.

         Next we went to Westminster Abbey, where Tom turned us over to
   Jillian, who led us through this magnificent cathedral. She was also a
   wonderful guide, and explained to us that we would not be able to avoid
   stepping on the memorials... there are thousands at this cathedral, on the
   walls, on the floors, and in side rooms, there were stone coffins, statues
   and plaques.

         There was alot of walking, and a few chances to sit. Mom was glad
    to see that even some of the young people in our group took this
    opportunity. After a stop in the Westminster gift shop, where we picked
    up some really lovely evensong music, we were headed back to the hotel.