0% Chance of Rain: London, Day 2

Lessons I have learned so far on our trip (generally in the category of "things not to trust"):

1) Do not trust the weather report if it says 0% chance of rain. Think instead about what you have heard about London and rain, and assume that it has not suddenly changed its character, or you will be sadly and unnecessarily wet.

2) Do not trust Indian food from the grocery store that comes in a bag. When your travel partner suggests it might be sketchy, listen to her. When it just looks so cheap you don't know how you can pass it up, think about the fact that there are things money can't buy. Like peace of mind. Or stomach.

3) Do not trust people who give vague directions, and, when questioned for more specifics, say something like, "Well, it must be somewhere in there." Really? Must it?

While I leave you to infer all you want about how I learned these lessons, let me say that overall this day has been a success. I have less time to write, but I'm liking this list format, so highlights of the day include:

--seeing the Tower of London, which is actually 20 towers that make up the first castle inhabited by the English royalty. I heard way more detail about executions in a few hours than I hope to hear in the rest of my life (that monarchy was a bloody mess--literally), but the tour guide was very amusing and the place was beautiful, complete with lots of towers (duh) and its own town green. We also got to see the crown jewels, which are very sparkly. Sparkly things make me happy. :)

--attending a church service at St. Paul's Cathedral, which, as Shelley-the-reader-of-the-guide-book informed me, is the 4th largest cathedral in the world, and the place where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married. It is also the first Anglican cathedral built post-Reformation. Apparently back then it was a lot plainer; now it is covered in beautiful Victorian ornate mosaics and marble sculptures of famous British figures. The service itself contained breathtakingly beautiful choral music, and a much less impressive sermon. (It was from the book of Ecclesiasticus, which is not in a Bible that I own; anyone know anything about it? The primary quotation that the minister focused on, however, was not even from this book but from Daniel Radcliffe, of Harry Potter fame.)

--walking over Tower Bridge, which is HUGE!

--being tightwads and figuring out all kinds of creative ways to save money on meals (although see lesson learned #2...) My favorite was a long baguette and some spreadable cheese, eaten while sitting watching the river Thames flow by. How very quaint.

That's all for now! Sorry for no pictures; I know those are more interesting than my words, and will try to put some up tomorrow! Off to catch a London-by-night bus tour, hopefully full of more sparkly lights and insights into the city.