Put a Ring on It

After recovering from the shock of learning that I had been on the NBC Nightly News the night before, Rachel and Paul and I set off on another day of touristy fun in London.  First stop: the Tower of London.  Before we went in, we had to take a peek at the Tower Bridge, which was sporting a new set of rings as of that morning.

Tower Bridge with its new rings

Rachel and I smile for the cameras

Despite the crowds gathered along the Thames to see the Olympic rings, the Tower itself was surprisingly quiet.  We didn't even have to wait in line to see the Crown Jewels!

Paul and Rachel at the Tower of London

Oh, really, Henry VIII? Don't you think that codpiece is
a bit much?

Don't try to steal anything from the armory!

Beefeater residences on the Tower grounds.  Not too shabby!

Nice view of the bridge

Next stop: The London Eye!  It was overcast and a bit drizzly, but we still enjoyed some pretty spectacular views.

Parliament and Westminster Abbey

Paul & Rachel

Rachel and I above the Thames

Old City Hall

Josh was working in the city that day, so we arranged to meet up with him at Covent Garden in the evening.  While we were waiting for him, we watched some people play beach volleyball, which was somehow promoting Duracell batteries.

Beach Volleyball in Covent Garden

We had a nice Indian dinner at the Masala Zone before heading back to Wimbledon.  It was a short visit, but Rachel and Paul managed to make the most of their time here before continuing on to Paris.  It was great to see them!