American Invasion, Part 2

More popping about by Tube and bus.

Pigeons warm up in the sun, while a father and son do their "good morning" dance! Some statue in some park somewhere. It's just amazing that around every corner is some significant building, location, piece of art, etc. It's fun to just appreciate it for art's sake instead of trying to find out what it is and crowding my already overflowing brain.

Trafalgar Square commemorating Lord Nelson's victory over Napoleon at Trafalgar. Subsequently, there are many places in England and The Netherlands recognizing this significant event and the battle at Waterloo. Can't wait to see how the same events get played up in France. And yesterday was the date on which Lord Nelson's navy won at Trafalgar. One tour guide at Windsor said he and his mates were going out for a spot of rum to celebrate it.

The slow procession of the changing of the mounted guards at the other end of The Mall from Buckingham Palace.

Making memories in St. James Park.

A personalized needlepoint kneeler in St. Margaret's Church, adjacent to Westminster Abbey. Something as cushy as this just make's one want to get on bended knee and offer a prayer.

Side entrance to Westminster Abbey. After the tour of the Abbey, I wonder where they'll find space to bury all the future significant people; they're running out of room under those floors.

This lovely little fountain was another peaceful oasis in the cloister area of Westminster Abbey.

Need to get around quickly and for a short distance? Use a "Boris" bike, so nicknamed after London's energetic and blue-collar mayor; a very practical man. Just tap your pre-registered chip-embedded credit card and away you go! Just drop it off at any other bike rack. This rack was totally empty when we returned later that evening.


But the most challenging part of getting around is remembering that they drive on the left side of the road. It's curious how something as basic as this can throw off your subconscious sense of order.

But thankfully the Brits have thought of how disoriented people can be in this hectic city and wrote these helpful reminders. Despite this help, I was very nearly a hood ornament anyway.

To expand my horizons, I visited the British Museum outside our back door. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon something that has intrigued me since I was a lad dreaming of faraway lands:

THE Rosetta Stone!! I'm sorry this photo doesn't do it justice but the beauty of this artifact is impressive.

The Horse of Selene from the front...

...and what the horse sees regularly. How fortunate for these students to have this free museum to study and hone their skills?

As I crossed Abbey Road like a Beatles fan, I'm reminded that Martha and I are on "A Long and Winding Road" ourselves.

Hey, John, I found another one of those free-standing open-air privies for men on the busy shopping district of Oxford Circus! Will wonders never cease?

Sunrise on the Hungersford Bridge