My first full day in London started with a pre-swim breakfast at 7:00 am. I am staying in a nice hotel, so everyone else was dressed in professional attire for breakfast. As for me? My Ukrops Monument 10k T-shirt from 2011 and my bright green Under Armor shorts. I could see people quickly glancing at me, trying to figure out exactly what this creature was that just emerged from the elevator - I mean, the lift.

After swimming, I toured the city of London with Caitlin. We first walked to Trafalgar Square, the official center of London. We then saw the Palace of Westminster (Parliament) and Big Ben along the River Thames. 

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Parliament, Big Ben, and the River Thames

We then toured Westminster Abbey, which is unbelievably beautiful. It was so strange to be in the presence of some of the most intelligent, influential, controversial, and powerful figures throughout history. We viewed the monuments, memorial statues, and/or tombs of: Queen Elizabeth I and her half-sister Queen Mary I, Mary Queen of Scots, Henry VII, Oliver Cromwell, Geoffrey Chaucer, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, William Shakespeare, Rudyard Kipling, and countless others. It is amazing to think that some of these individuals were enemies in life, but lie within a few feet of each other in death. Take Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, for example. Elizabeth and Mary were cousins, but Elizabeth felt threatened by Mary when she moved from Scotland to England. Elizabeth eventually had Mary executed after she was found guilty of plotting to have Elizabeth killed in hopes that she could then become the Queen of England. Ironically, Mary Queen of Scots is now interred in Westminster Abbey in a tomb directly opposite of Elizabeth's. 

Westminster Abbey

After Westminster Abbey, we walked to Buckingham Palace where there is much construction in preparation for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, marking her sixty years on the throne. At several of my friends' requests, I kept my eyes peeled for members of the Royal family, but was unsuccessful in locating any royals. But hey, I still have five more days here!

Buckingham Palace - flag up means the Queen is home!

A bit later, we stopped at Paul (a French bakery), where I had the most delicious vanilla macaroon and cup of hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was so rich and thick, it reminded me of the chocolate pond that Augustus Gloop falls into in the movie Charlie and and Chocolate Factory. I can't say I wouldn't have the same fate as Augustus if I came across a pond of hot chocolate from Paul.

Sorry Augustus - this is mine

I love how every building, whether it be a restaurant, pub, shop, or cafe, contains some sort of historical piece of art. Every place you go has a story to tell. I also love how London makes it easy for the clueless tourists, like myself, who still look the wrong way for cars when crossing the street. They do a great job spelling it out for us. 

Anyway, off to bed! On the plate for tomorrow: St. Paul's Cathedral and a tour of the Globe Theatre.