While we were eating, we had a nice view of the bustling streets and did some people watching. I saw a flock of tiny British schoolkids in bright green reflective vests that nearly dragged the ground in the front crossing the streets with their teacher. I also noticed that they were all leashed together like a mini chain gang as they walked back to school.
We also saw some policeman carrying guns, highly unusual for the UK. I suppose it had something to do with their patrolling across from parliament. As one fellow we talked to said, "yeah, there are probably only 6 guys that carry guns in the whole of England." We meant to get a picture, but by the time we were done eating they were gone.
Thus fortified, we decided to take on Westminster Abbey, the famous cathedral that has seen the crowning of the Kings and Queens of England since 1066. Not to mention a lot of royal weddings, starting with Henry the 1st marrying Matilda of Scotland in 1100 all the way up to the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011. Notable people interred in the church include Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Henry V, Charles Dickens, William Wilberforce, Jane Austen, and Isaac Newton.
It was absolutely awe inspiring. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any pictures inside the Abbey, so here is one so you can see what the place is like.
Absolutely amazing! We took the audio tour which was free with the price of admission, so was nice to go at our own pace and let it all sink in. Such an incredible place! We visited the graves of some of my favorite authors (Dickens and Austen) and saw a lot of other famous burial places as well. There's just something about running your fingers across a Latin engraving on a chilly stone, under which lies the tomb of an ancient king or queen of ages past. Or, standing on the exact place where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. It was well worth the trip and we ended up staying around 3 hours, completely mezmerised by the architecture and sheer size of the place.
Next, we opted for a tour of Parliament. Since it's basically like touring Congress or the Senate in the US, security is very tight. We basically had to be searched in just the same manner as if we were going on an airplane. Once we passed security, we were shown to our tour guide, a kind old British guy named Geoffrey. We began our tour in Westminster Palace, an incredible structure which was built in the 1090's. It served as a court of law, and William Wallace, Charles the 1st, and Anne Boleyn were all tried here. It is the oldest surviving woodwork structure here and it just stunning.
Our guide first showed us the Portrait Room, which had enormous pictures of Kings and Queens past and gold, so much gold! Just when you thought you had seen everything that Gold could possibly be slapped on, they would put it on the walls, the ceiling, framed the windows with it, and probably had their bathtubs and toilet bowls done in gold too, for all I know. It was all done up in the Victoriana Style, which means high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and, as I mentioned before, gold dripping off everything. We walked through some more corridors with paintings and statues while our guide told us how exactly Parliament works. Basically, since the beginnings of Kingship, the King has had a group of advisers and/or consorts that would council him regarding anything. Simply put, this is where the House of Lords originated. In 1265, Simon de Montfort the Earl of Leicester declared that there should be a legistlative body consisting of 2 knights from every shire and 2 townsmen from every community, and this became the House of Commons.
The members of the house of Lords are called "Peers" and Peerage is not hereditary. It used to be, but the laws were reformed in the latter half of the 20th century. The House of Lords is practically dripping with gold and plush velvet, with a viewing area above for the public or the adoring wives to watch their husbands argue their afternoons away. Leftover from the early 20th century, there is a little band of velvet going a couple of inches around the bottom of the viewing area's rails to keep the lady's ankles from being ogled from afar. (To show one's ankle used to be considered scandalous.) How modest of them!
You can tell you are in the house of Lords if there is red furniture all around and gold paperclips and thumbtacks on the tables. Alternatively, if there is Green furniture all around you and no gold in sight, you're in the House of Commons.
Okay, I am kidding about the paper clips and thumbtacks. Just making sure you're still awake!
Another important event was in 1642 when Charles I began to do things in a dictatorial fashion, ignoring the house of lords and commons, stretching his Sovereign-ness to the point that a Bill of Rights was composed and set in place in 1688. This kept the power of the king in check. These days, the queen has to formally approve the finished bills that come out of the house of Lords and Commons, and she really has no say in the matter. It really only a formality, but it must be done.
The process of passing a bill works similarly to how it does in America. The Bill is created and the 650 member house of Commons debates and must get a majority vote for the bill to go forward. Voting happens after lots of debate, and members have 8 minutes to vote for or against the bill. A bell rings to notify everyone and it goes off in the main hall, most rooms of the Parliament building, and also in the Red Lion (where we ate for breakfast!) a poplular gathering spot for members. If the bill is passed it moves to the house of Lords, where it is again debated and discussed, and a ping pong match between the two houses begins. Once there is mutual satisfaction, the Queen must approve the bill before it becomes law.
After this, we passed through another picture Gallery, this one with Paintings from the Tudor dynasty. This time, our guide said, "take a look at the photo of William and Mary being crowned on the far end. They don't think too much of the whole deal, eh?" Indeed. They looked like it was just so depressing to have to be crowned king and queen of the most powerful country on earth.
He also talked about a painting of a particular battle between the English and Spanish on the far wall.
"Any Americans with us?"
We raised our hands.
"You see, if we had lost this *points at the painting* battle, Queen Elizabeth would have been executed, Christendom as we know it would be replaced by Catholicism, and, well, you Americans would probably be speakin' Spanish right now."
A guy chimed in as a Spanish speaking tour went past, "And, we'd be on a different tour!"
I would have liked to take a picture of this very nice painting of Princess Margaret, daughter of Henry VII, but I was restricted to no photos. It's always nice when there is a princess with your name in an ancient building! There is also a Saint Margaret of Scotland that has a stained glass window in her honor. I was, however, able to find both of them online and I thought I'd post them just for fun.
When we got done with Parliament, we decided it was high time we had some dinner. So, Galen and I went in together for some pizza from a little shop on Baker's Street, which is a 5 minute walk from our flat. Victoria got a sandwich and we headed home with our spoils. I have to go pack for our train to Paris tomorrow, but here's some little snippets from today:
British Quickbits:
I saw 2 little British Grannies sporting bright purple hair. I don't even know what to say about that one. Grannies are hip here?
Spotted by Victoria: Flu shots are referred to as "Flu Jabs."
Virtually all guys here, when they walk by, smell like some scent or another of Lynx brand body wash. It's crazy. Galen bought some today just for fun.
The guy searching our bags at Parliament asked us if we were carrying any "Knives? Scissors? Axes? Any naughty bits like that?"
Wearing sunglasses in London will get you stared at. Tried it today, and it was so dark that even with the little bit of sun shining down I could barely see the pavement. I don't think Londoners even bother owning a pair.
There are buckets specifically for wet umbrellas outside a lot of establishments.
There is an extremely high population of Middle Eastern folks in our area. On any given night, they will be smoking hookah at Ayah's a block away.
Pimsolls= sneakers
Bap=burger bun (seriously, what on earth?!)
How's you?= how are you? (certain regions only.)
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