London, Part 2

On our second day trip to London, me and Jared (and Rick Steves, via our iPods) took a walk through the financial district or just the "The City."  It is also the center of London's legal community.  We understand that on weekdays this area is bustling with lawyers, bankers, and all other types of important people.  However, we went on a Saturday it was relatively quiet.  Jared was disappointed that many of the historical legal sites were closed...but that just gives us another reason to go back soon!

A classic London scene, complete with Super Nanny taxi and famous red phone booth.

St Bride's Church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672.  Local legend has it that the steeple inspired a baker across the street to bake a similar cake for his bride, which we now know as a wedding cake.

Don't worry...it's not falling down!

A picture of Tower Bridge.  The name "London Bridge" is often mistakenly applied to this bridge, which is the next bridge downstream.  The joke in London is that the American who bought the original London Bridge and moved it to Arizona thought he was buying the much more picturesque Tower Bridge.

The Royal Courts of Justice, Britain's highest civil courts.

Twinings Tea opened in 1706.  The statues symbolize the original importation of tea from China.

Temple Bar Monument marks the official entrance to the City of London.  The Queen, who presides over adjoining Westminster, cannot pass this point without ceremonial permission from the Lord Mayor of London.

Prince Henry's Room, once an office for the son of King Charles I.  One of the few buildings to survive the Great Fire of 1666.

St Paul's Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece.  As we have learned, Wren designed just about every famous building and monument in England.  Some of his earlier works are still being used as buildings at the University of Oxford.

St Paul's is one of London's most famous and most recognizable sights and its dome is also among the highest in the world.  Although the Royal Family holds most of its important marriages, christenings and funerals at Westminster Abbey, St Paul's was used for the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady. Diana Spencer

"The Monument" is a tribute to the Great Fire of 1666.  Designed by who?  You guessed it, Sir Christopher Wren.

Dr. Samuel Johnson produced the first English language dictionary in 1755.  This is his cat Hodge, who loved to dine on oysters.  I thought he was cute and Jared insisted we get a picture for his mother.