God Save the Queen!

Today we spent the entire day touring around London. It's a beautiful city with so much history! We did the tour, which turned out to be an awesome experience. We saw all of the points on the tour today, getting out at a few. Our plan is to hop back on the bus tomorrow and get off at the points we really want to see and spend some time there.

We got off the Tube this morning and when we emerged from underground we were in Hyde Park. About thirty seconds later, a parade of about 16 beautiful black horses came through the park dressed in full regalia (with riders of course). Turns out they were on their way to the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place at 11:30am each day. Since we missed it today, we will try to catch it tomorrow. This takes place at Buckingham Palace.

We are also planning on taking a tour of Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the British Museum. I have posted some pictures here of the outside of these places as seen from our tour today.

We ate a wonderful dinner tonight and did some shopping, and then decided to head back to the hotel. On the way to the Tube station, I saw what is perhaps the funniest thing I've seen in my life:

There are many street performers near the Tube stations. Some of them even live inside the underground station, which is actually quite charming. Anyway, we see a young man playing his guitar for change. But then it gets better. Sitting next to his open guitar case, on the ground next to it, dressed in a very festive sweater, is his cat. Yes, go ahead and read this again. His cat.

I am completely unsure of what to say, although I am sure my face said it all. Then, to make things so much better, Laura decides to pet the cat. I am howling. Unable to control myself. The nice troubadour then informs us that his cat's name is Bob and he is his daddy. A man behind me approaches me to give me some flier. I am still not recovered, and seeing the totally unique look on my face, gives me one right back. I then feel the need to explain, so I do. He then is howling also, but in British. It is quite hilarious.

Laura will be tested for rabies. I am sure the cat was completely unsanitary, although she disagrees.

Tomorrow shall prove to be an exciting day, with lots more pictures. Enjoy!