Buckingham

Since I have plans with my host and his son for Saturday, today was my last day to really explore London. At this time, until Sunday, the Queen is on holiday so Buckingham Palace has been opened to the public (with a not so small fee of course). Guests are allowed to see 19 state rooms, a few random rooms, and walk through the palace gardens. I didn't know until we were going in that no photography was allowed inside... So basically I just paid to walk through something that I won't remember well in a few weeks after I've flooded my brain with all kinds of images of 8 other countries... Life goes on!

A view in the Palace Gardens

The palace is beautiful, regal, and is everything you'd really expect it to be. They have all the robes, crowns, and other regalia from the 1953 coronation on display, which was quite interesting. Fun fact... The Queen's coronation crown had approximately 3000 jewels in it, 2700 diamonds and 300 others. So you fancy, huh?

I walked through a few museums, and went around the city again (by foot instead of bus this time). Overall it was just a peaceful day of sight seeing! I was able to get a closer view of The Gherkin, a really interesting building that I studied during my first year architecture classes at Auburn.

The Gherkin