The Tower
Our last morning in Rome, Italy started with a van picking us up from our hotel at 4:30 and took us to the CIA airport about 30 minutes away. Baba used up our last few euros on Chanel perfume. The three of us boarded our tiny Ryanair plane outside and had a two and a half hour flight to Stansted.
Hopping on a train to Liverpool station felt fantastically familiar to us. From Liverpool, a cab took us to our hotel in Kensington. We had decided last minute in Rome to forgo our last Air Miles hotel for something a little closer to the sites so we wouldn’t have to commute into London daily. The cab was an old style of car, particular to London. I enjoyed the ride as we had the opportunity to see many more streets of the city unlike the tube. Julianna sat facing us in the backseat of the cab, which could only fit three people.
Upon arriving at Kensington West Hotel, we left our bags in their storage area as it was only 11, too early to check in. Then we were free to roam to our reservation at the Tower of London. This part of London was new to us, as I’m sure many corners of the city would remain unknown until next time.
At the Tower, we went in the main entrance and visited the first of many gift shops. Next, we turned into the coin exhibit, which showed money minting throughout Great Britain’s long and prosperous history. After, walking along the outer walls, we came across exhibits including a Menagerie, the Bloody Tower, the Armory, Crown Jewels, a Torture Tower, and of course the famous White Tower.
The Tower of London was the most entertaining museum/site we’d been to on the trip. The dark history of one of Britain’s greatest Landmarks. It was entertaining on all three levels, and loads of learning along the way. There were Yeoman out and about giving tours in their traditional dress. The Towers’ Ravens were absent unfortunately, as they were having a new home built for them.
Upon leaving, my sister spotted a Starbucks across the street and jumped at the chance to enjoy fall’s special Pumpkin Spice Latte, so we all had one and sat, soaking in the view of the Thames River. After, we strolled along the Tower Bridge and took very touristy photos. The Bridge was marvelous; I loved the blue with gold accents. Running into a few local Londoners, who were so helpful with directions, I fell even more in love with the city, and couldn’t wait to continue exploring.
