Cabs, Churches, Cocktails

Howdy Mates,

My last day on this adventure was packed with activity. I began by seeing the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Horses, band and soldiers all done up in their red. It was impressive as was the mob of spectators. I was told the crowd was normal. WOW ! I then went to Westminster Cathedral ( the Catholic one). It is big and impressive. I saw the tomb of Cardinal Hume, one of my heroes. the church is filled with dead prelates and side altars dedicated to the various countries that are part of the UK. There is even a shrine to St. Patrick with medallions from the many and varied military detachments that make up the Irish army.

I then walked to the Abbey, the original Catholic Cathedral run by the Benedictine monks, now in the hands of the the Church of England and the sight of the royal wedding. I waited one hour in line, or as the Brits would say on que to get into the Abbey. Once inside it was clam and comfortable. I got to see the many, many tombs, poets corner, Edward VII chapel with the Knights of the Bath and their heraldry. The tombs of many kings and queens were very evident as well, including the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary buried next to each other. The reason for the crowd was to see the 8 trees in the Abbey and the flowers for the wedding. The trees etc. will be removed Friday of this week. There is a tradition begun by I believe the Queen Mom, as she left the Abbey on her wedding day she placed her bridal flowers on the tomb of the unknown soldier. Katherine did the same last week and her flowers lie on a white pillow on the tomb. Very nice custom and beautiful to see. I spent close to two hours touring the Abbey enjoying every moment I was there. There was a crowd, but not over bearing.

I made my way back to the hotel to catch two minute nap and then headed to the Royal Festival Hall where I met Marc. We went to a pub on the south bank of the Thames had a beer and then grabbed a cab for a restaurant called La Barca, Italian and fantastic. Drank some more had a great meal and went to a bar called Cubana. That's right there is a Cuban bar in London. We had a couple of mojito's and headed to our respective homes. Marc leaves for Hong Kong in a couple of weeks. I am confident he will do well there. By the way the firm he is working for is Marks and Spencer. I believe I left the "s" of Mark the last time.

I have a car coming to the hotel at 12 noon to take me to the airport. I hope a flight and then I am home in New Jersey. It is difficult to believe that 4 months of travel are coming to an end. As I have said before this has been a fantastic experience. Thank you one and all for your support. It has made this time of my life rich with memories.

Take care, see you soon.

Love,

Bill