Ready for my Royal Wedding now (Day 2)

My first full day in London. At last. 

Today's adventure was the Tower of London. So much to see, and there was no possible way to see it all. But we made it to some of the more important places. :)

After a slight detour because we got minorly delayed and then detoured on the way to the Tower, we made it into the site. It is on the Thames (pronounced "Tehms") right by the Tower Bridge. This Tower Bridge:

First, after actually passing through the wall, thanks to some advice by a performer, we went in to see the Crown Jewels when there was no one waiting in line. Ummm.. THE Crown Jewels. Actually IN USE STILL sometimes. WHAT? Those jewels are 100% the REAL DEAL. Pretty much in awe...And where's my Prince of England?? 

This is where the Crown Jewels are housed (sorry no pictures allowed inside):

And here is Mallory and I posing with this building behind us:

Twice because why not?

Then we went through the White Tower, which has had a ridiculous number of functions over the years. Which I don't really remember all of and don't want to misstate so sorry. But here's a picture of the white tower:

Then we saw Beauchamp Tower, where prisoners were held, and carved intricate letters and drawings and amazing stuff into the walls...because what else would you do? And of course there is Bloody Tower, where the two young princes were imprisoned a never seen again, not to mention all the other prisoners held there. Kind of a creepy, haunting place. In between those two places is one of the Royal Residences:

And even though it isn't actually in use, it is one of the four Royal Residences, so it still has a guard around the clock:

Also we saw the green where Anne Bolyen (and lots of other people) were executed. This glass monument is there:

We decided after all that, we wanted to get going somewhere else, so we grabbed a bite to eat and then did a walk out of our textbook. Saw some really cool places!

We got a picture with a Yoman warrior outside the Tower of London:

Classic Tower Bridge picture:

Gift Shop (classic tourists) Do you think I pull it off? ;)

A great example of London combining new and old:

Christchurch-so amazing and beautiful and calm inside:

Some performers we saw outside a huge market:

Part of the old London Wall, just chilling right next to a huge modern business building:

We got back to the Centre and did productive things: homework, journalling, eating dinner. The usual. Then after we planned out our trips for tomorrow and beyond (to keep the suspense I'm not telling) we ventured out to buy some postcards, chocolate and ice cream. Because yolo and ice cream. Second time I have been to this place and SO not disappointed. (Notice second night, second time. This better not be a habit forming...but I mean Caramel Shortcake? Fudge chunk (think caramel chunk really)? How can I resist?!)

Also I am collecting postcards from the places we visit. Here are the ones I have rounded up so far! :)

This is such an incredible adventure already and I can't wait for what more is in store!!! 

PS My luggage arrived this evening and it's pretty wonderful to have my own clothes now!!