On our return to London we settled into some serious sightseeing, beginning with the Tower of London. Following the advice of our Rick Steves' London guide book, we hit the Crown Jewels first. This was Ben's first time seeing them after many visits - the lines had always deterred him - but by getting there early we had the place almost to ourselves. The jewels really are extremely impressive (no photos allowed, sadly), and worth seeing. This was followed by a Beefeater's tour and a walk through the White Tower.

From the Tower we went to the British Museum. Again a very impressive place with artifacts that even an illiterate such as Ben has heard of. Plus cool mummies...

After that, Covent Garden, which was just closing up shop for the day, but was a disappointment anyway. the street performers are all tired and doing the same old schticks, and Covent Garden no longer appears to be the preferred hang-out for all the oddly-dressed freaks one used ot see there.

The next day we went off to St. Paul's in the morning and climbed to the top of the dome. Spectacular views from there! Back down to see some of the art inside, including William Holman Hunt's very popular "Buddy Christ" (real title "Light of the World"), voted one of England's 10 worst paintings, and a memorial to our very favorite General Cornwallis.

From St. Pauls a short walk to see The Old Bailey, criminal courthouse made famous in so many British mystery novels. Then we walked up toward King's Cross and ran into the really cool Smithfield Meat Market. A very interesting building, very colorfully painted. It's nice to walk around and see what you run into!

Kathy & Ben left Ariana and Emily off to do some shopping in Camden Town while they poked around Hampstead to find some of Raphael's old haunts. We met them at Martin & Federica's and went from there to a fabulous Chinese restaurant where Martin orchestrated an incredible meal for us.

Back at the Hilton, Ben discovered that the pub meal from earlier in the day had not agreed with him, and he was pretty much laid out for the rest of the trip.

Sunday, Kathy and the girls went off to Harrod's in the morning, then to Kew Gardens in the afternoon. Both successful trips (photos may appear later from Ariana). Monday we sent Ariana off to Heathrow to catch her early flight, and Kathy & Emily went off to Buckingham Palace.

We said tearful goodbyes to London and flew home Monday evening.