From Abbey to Charles

Today was our day to attempt visits to Wesminster Abbey and to the British Natural History Museum (NHM). First we headed to the Abbey, but it turns out they had scheduled the entire day for a ceremony to hang the flags honoring the Royal Order of the Knights of Bath. A bit of a bummer, although standing outside we watched the knights themselves and many dignitaries (men in tuxedos and women in hats) file into the Abbey. The Queen was going to appear, but we weren't patient enough to wait an hour for that. We did get great looks at Big Ben, Parliament, and the River Thames. 

Although we didn't get to see the exact stone over Livingstone's remains, we were close enough. Plus, on our walk to the NHM, we scooted by Buckingham Palace and got to see the changing of the guard - not bad for guys in funny hats. 

At the NHM everyone rejuvenated with snacks at the cafe, then we explored the wings and wings of displays at the museum. As one of these biology students said, "This is like a candy store for us." Even better, admission is free!

All who went on the behind the scenes "spirit" tour of museum research raved about it. Photos were not allowed on the tour, but since we got to see some of the specimens collected by Darwin on his tour with the HMS Beagle, we thought this picture of his statue would be a fitting substitute. 

Soon we walk back to the hotel for our dinner, then tomorrow we head off to the countryside hamlet of Down, where we will tour Darwin's house and gardens. 

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Close this post with a fitting (and slightly updated) quote from the master himself: "Freedom of thought is best promoted by the gradual illumination of men's [and women's] minds, which follows from the advance of science." - Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882)