Saturday began with a flight on the London Eye. A 25-30 minute ride on a very large "ferris wheel". The flight was great and the view was magnificent. I had been told by many that it wasn't worth it, but I feel it is like the Space Needle in Seattle - you have to do it at least once. The capsules have room for quite a few people but the one I was in only had about 10. You get a spectacular view of Big Ben and Parliament and a decent view of Buckingham Palace. The Queen wasn't in though.
After the flight I waited for a Thames Clipper to take me to the O2 for the Tutankhamen exhibit they have there. The boat ride was fun and I caught a little snooze since it took longer than I thought it would. Once at the O2, I grabbed a diet coke and a muffin since I hadn't eaten anything and didn't want to wait till I was done with the Tut exhibit. The exhibit itself doesn't allow any photography, but I have to say that I love Egyptian antiquities and they had some of the best. I remember the British Museum having a pretty good collection as well but I didn't make it there this time. On my way out of the O2 I stopped for lunch at a restaurant called Spur Steak & Grill. The decor was American Indian and I was looking for a burger with fries AND Coke products. I had a bacon cheeseburger with fries. I had forgotten that British bacon is much wider than American bacon so they only have to put 2 pieces to cover your whole burger instead of the 4-5 it takes in the States. The fries were pretty tasty as well and the diet coke bottomless. It was a win all around. I left the O2 and made my way to the nearest Tube station so I could get on with my day.
Next I decided to walk across the Tower Bridge on my way to the Tower of London. I love bridges (the kind you can't see through or swing on) and enjoyed the walk even though I was starting to feel a bit tired. The Tower of London was just as I remembered with the exception of the people dressed in period clothing acting out sieges using catapults and water balloons. I love the Crown Jewels - so sparkly. Of course you aren't allowed to take photos of them either. I kept thinking of Julie Anne and how she would be staring longingly at the crowns and wondering if she could slip one in her purse.
I then returned to my hotel to rest my legs and feet and to check email and just hang for a bit. Later I decided to hit Piccadilly Circus. I was stunned by the number of people there. Probably one of the busiest places in the world. I walked around for an hour or so and then got "dinner" at one of the many McDonald's in the area. I wanted some fries for relatively cheap. I think the fries are better than the ones in the US - not as salty. Then I walked around a bit more before making my way back to the tube. I had to ask directions since I kept walking and would find myself in the same place. I was all turned around. The light are amazing. Finally got back to my room where I packed up everything I wasn't going to need overnight or for the morning and went to bed.
