around like mad, trying to see and do everything. London is worth visiting
at some point in your life; there is an amazing diversity of peoples, partially
because of ties with nations that used to be British colonies. Much like
New York or Hong Kong, there is something about walking around one of
the world’s important cities that is worth experiencing -- the energy is
palpable. The downside, however, is that it is unbelievably expensive
(basically, twice the cost of what you're used to). Bring a big wad of money,
or plan to walk a lot and starve.
The one major attraction I visited for the first time was the Tower of London,
which looks like a big fort along the Thames River, in the middle of the city.
It is not a fort or a tower, however. The complex, which is surrounded by a
(now filled-in) moat and high walls, includes a church and a number of
buildings which have been used at one time or another as a palace,
armory, prison… you get the idea. There is also a fair amount of green
space within its walls – it’s a veritable city within a city. Construction on the
Tower complex began during the reign of William the Conqueror: 1066-
1087!!! Now THAT is old.
Today, the Crown Jewels are on display in a renovated and heavily fortified
building within the Tower complex. I mistakenly thought there was just one
set of crown jewels that were passed on from monarch to monarch, but
that’s not the case. New crowns, scepters, etc. are usually made as new
monarchs ascend the throne. Paper and bottle recycling: yes. Crown
jewel recycling: no.
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