Wondering and Wandering with Artifact and Site: Last Day in London, Part 1

I began dreaming and planning this trip almost two years ago, so how is it already the last full day? So much left to do, including some sight seeing and gift buying. Could we do it all? Fasten your seat belts!

A Games volunteer, dressed in her uniform from head to toe (sneakers and shoelaces, too!), waited for the train along with us.

I was feeling much more confident about venturing into the city after our positive experience on Saturday. It was now the 3rd full day of the Olympics, so surely any kinks related to transportation were worked out at this point. To play it safe, we took the train from St Albans to Blackfriars, skipped the Underground, and had a chilly, but spectacular walk along the Victoria Embankment towards Westminster. It was pretty quiet and we didn't encounter many people.

The Royal Family, circa 1977, turned up to greet us! This photo, taken in 1977 during the Queen's Silver Jubilee, is the largest photo ever of the Royal Family. It was hung for the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla on June 3rd.

Everything received a bit of "spit and polish" for 2012, a very busy year, indeed.

The dome of St Paul's Cathedral peering over the rooftops.

I love this vantage point of new and old -- the London Eye (you couldn't pay me to ride on it!), Lambeth Palace peering through the Eye's spokes, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

The latest addition to London's skyline, and Europe's tallest completed building -- The Shard. The skyscraper, designed by architect Renzo Piano, opened on July 5th.

Qatar House, home to Qatar's 2012 Olympic Committee

The Olympic rings began their barge journey on the Thames on February 28, marking 150 days until the opening ceremony. They are staying put right here for a few weeks.

Cleopatra's Needle, despite it's name, has no real connection to the Egyptian queen. It was given to the UK in 1819 by Egypt to commemorate British victories at the Battle of The Nile and the Battle of Alexandria.

30 St Mary Axe, better known as "The Gherkin," another of modern London's more recent landmarks.

A nice, clear shot of the Eye.

The Battle of Britain Monument, dedicated in 2005.

As soon as we began to approach Westminster Bridge, we could see more people and hear more commotion. Suddenly, drums were beating, and down the street came a group of Brazilians cheering, singing, playing instruments, and waving sports equipment and their flag. It was at this moment that I felt the vibe of the city begin to change from the calm and regal London, who was in her Sunday best, to the alive and vibrant city who was ready to party with the world!

Big Ben and bright blue sky.

One of a series of Olympic-themed sculpture placed around the city. This one, dedicated to British rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones, was just outside Westminster Abbey.

There was a huge crowd waiting to get into the Abbey. It was well worth waiting in line, but once inside, we could not take photos.

Casa Italia, the Italian Olympic Committee's headquarters, just across the street. We passed on going inside to see the Italian models and FIATs.

Nelson Mandela, unveiled in 2007 in Mr. Mandela's presence, greeted visitors from around the world in Parliament Square.

As did Winston Churchill!

The park in the square was a gathering place for visitors from all over the world. I felt like bursting out into a rousing chorus of "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony!"

Two young English women were laughing and running back and forth taking pictures of one another with their Union Jack. I offered to take one of them with it and asked in return they take one of us! They thought it was hilarious we'd want our picture taken with their flag. I wish we'd had an American flag with us!

These poor athletes from Uzbekistan were very lost, but a helpful Games volunteer was attempting to help them. I hope they made it back for their event!