Trafalgar Square

This is Trafalgar Square.  The present square was completed in 1845. The National Gallery (more about that later) is in the background.  The square is the 4th most popular tourist attraction on Earth according to Wikipedia.  It has long been the site of public demonstrations.  The most recent include - a continuous anti-apartheid protest in the 1980's (I assume most of the decade), the announcement of the 2012 Olympics being held in London, and a mass moonwalk the day after Michael Jackson's death.  Of course, there is a ton more history relating to the square, but since I'm not a student of history, I can't get my head around it all.

There is really good information about it on Wikipedia, my most trusted source of info.

A funny thing happened...

We were fascinated by these guards.  Of course had to take pics.  As we were mingling around, John was standing in front of where the gate was, and we heard a LOUD voice.  "OUT MI WAY". John turned around and the guard (the one standing by the horse) was trying to get through to see the guard on the horse, and apparently John was standing in his way! He was holding a big sword! John almost jumped out of his skin, and I have never seen him move so quickly! It was quite funny. Of course it had to be my John that gets yelled at by authority. Unfortunately I can't remember what they were guarding, but I think they are also Life Guards.  I probably dont have that right, I apologize to my British readers if I am telling these stories incorrectly. 

The Life Guards

We looked for the Palace Guards that wear the big fuzzy hats, the ones you are supposed to make move, smile, laugh, something.  Anyway, the guards at the Palace were wearing normal uniforms. But across the street was the barracks for the guards.  These were apparently practicing.  We later found out, the fancy guards everyone wants their pic with, are only on duty during summer months.  The big fuzzy hats are actually made of real bear fur that gets very heavy during rain, so they dont wear them all the time.  It seems mostly for tourist sake.  These are actually called Life Guards. 

Buckingham Palace

Of course, you can't go to England and not see Buckingham Palace.  Amazing. Beautiful. Impressive.

FBI Sighting

Jack and a FB Pencil.

Bobbies

Here's a pic of real bobbies, and a pic of a dork.

St. Pancras, London

Julie and John took us to London for two days.  We took the Bullet Train (operated by Virgin Railways, you know Richard Branson) from Manchester to the St. Pancras Station and Hotel. The station was opened in 1868. It is located on Euston Rd, St. Pancras, London. It also houses the London Underground, King's Cross St. Pancras tube station. The style of architecture is Victorian Gothic.  Exterior shots are seen in the Harry Potter films. Pretty amazing, huh.  We stayed at a youth hostel one block away.