This is a proper holiday

While we spent yesterday in various types of monkeyshines, today was a more traditional touristy experience. This morning started off cool but sunny, and we decided that the best way to get to the observatory at Greenwich was a boat ride up the Thames. Although I had seen much of the notable things we passed on our last visit, I hadn't seen them from the river. This was a spectacular new perspective on Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge and the downtown area with the Shard, the Gherkin, and the Walkie Talkie Building (some names have been changed to protect the innocent).

Big Ben from the River Thames

The Gherkin (the squat, pickle-shaped building in the center, The Walkie Talkie building (which incidently, with it's unusual shape, reflected the sun in such a way when it was first constructed that it melted a car across the street. I forget how they addressed that), and a surprisingly good view of the monument to the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The Tower of London with a great view of The White Tower

The Tower Bridge

We disembarked at Greenwich and passed the Cutty Sark, one of the fastest clipper ships ever built, and climbed up to the Royal Observatory to stand with one foot in each hemisphere, straddling the prime meridian.

The Cutty Sark, now a museum

Right foot in the Eastern Hemisphere, left foot in the Western.

The location affords a magnificent view of the city

Then on to the South Bank to ride the London Eye. (Not me! Although Alex and Mom both tried their best to bully me into it.)

Alex and Mom on top of the world

Me in the blue jacket on the bench, enjoying street performers and a little solid ground.

 Then back to the Airbnb via Waterloo station, one of the most fascinating facades in the city, Chinese take out and card games.

Waterloo Station

The evening's entertainment, a game of Gloom (confusing af but delightfully dark) and a bottle of champagne.