Wrapping-up London...

After Harry Potter Studio —

Wrapping-up includes Westminster Abbey —

We headed to the center of London again to complete any last ventures there. A quick stop at the British Museum was first up. Of course we could spend a year there, and Clark enjoyed seeing some fascinating old coins and clocks—one nearly 500 years old and still working!—but then we scurried on to Westminster Abbey. Figured we better not miss one of the most prominent churches in the world! 

It’s glorious in many ways, yet strange or odd, too, as Clark remarked...so many tombs/graves that make-up its make-up literally. Eli spied Isaac Newton’s stone, and about the time he did, we met one of the priests. He pointed out where they memorialized Stephen Hawking’s ashes just nearby Newton last year, then quizzed the kids on who will inherit the throne after Elizabeth and directed us to where we’d see the Coronation chair at the other end of the church. He answered some questions I had—did you know the oldest part of it is 730 years, give or take?!  And we chatted about the stone that commemorates Nelson Mandela. It says “Forgiveness Reconciliation” and, yes, made me cry nearly! So glad we went.

We made our way about a little to end our city time and then headed back to our “home base” in Esher for our last night. It’s been a joy and real blessing to get to stay with my childhood friend, Deb, and her family during our London days. She and I have been friends since 3rd grade and were roommates our 2nd year at W&M. So, it really was great to stay with them!! The family Meacham—Deb, Paul, Molly, Ellie, and Katy (plus dog, Annie)—were incredibly thoughtful, generous, fun!, and kind hosts. We can’t thank them enough! 

Our next stop ~ Scotland! Should be a ball!

Here are some things we have learned in the U.K. so far:

Garbage can = bin

Truck = lorry

Bathroom = loo

Yard = paved lot

Lawn = garden

Convenience store/gas station = garage

Line = queue

Trash = litter

‘Til later, Cheerio!