Got a bit of a late start today, with me not feeling my best, and Dan recovering from work. We started out on the tube to Pimlico, and walked along the Thames until we came to the Tate Gallery.
We spent about an hour here, consisting mostly of me dragging him through the modern rooms.
After leaving the Tate we walked up to Smith Square to find St. John’s Church, a beautiful building that is now used as a concert hall! From here we retraced our steps to back to the Thames and entered Victoria Tower Gardens for its spectacular views of Parliament and Big Ben.
We crossed Millbank and tried to peak into the Abbey Gardens, but all I could see were some treetops peaking over the stone wall—but it looked to be quite plush and green. We next headed toward the Jewel Tower, which is much smaller than I would have expected,
but it was the first time I'd seen a moat.
We next came to Westminster Abbey and, amazingly, we arrived at 2:45, with Evensong services starting at 3:00! We simply stated that we were there for worship, and were led deep into the Abbey, past all the statues, stained glass windows, and carved wood, and shown to our seats at the far end of the cathedral.
The experience was priceless. I am not a religious person, but I got goose bumps the moment the chorus began to sing. The service lasted about 45 minutes, during which you are treated to a mesmerizing choir and breathtaking views.
After the service, we headed to the Westminster Bridge a stunning view of Parliament and Big Ben reflecting the setting sun.
By now we were running late on our itinerary, after the unscheduled stops at the Tate and the Abbey. So we decided to cut out some steps and find the Cabinet War Rooms.
We made it with about an hour and a half to closing. This underground bunker near Downing Street is where Winston Churchill and his Cabinet commanded the British forces during WW II. We got to see the meeting rooms, maps (one with a small Hitler sketch) among other things. It was interesting, but probably more so for Dan than me.
By the time we left, it was getting late, so we headed off to find dinner. We found the Silver Cross Pub, and had a lovely dinner—bacon and eggs for me (British bacon is not like American bacon), and a stake and ale pie for Dan.
After dinner we took a walk through Trafalgar Square, and then headed back to the hotel.
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