The Stairs

536.  That's the number of stairs at St. Paul's Cathedral to walk to the top.  We did it.  I'm glad we went early in the morning before the crowds got too big, and before it warmed up too much.  It was hot when we did it at 9:30 am, it would be really uncomfortable later.  One of the stops on the way up to the top is the whispering gallery.  This is where you can be on one side of the large globe top and someone directly across- they whisper into the wall and you can hear it on the other side.  Pretty cool! After 536 steps to the top, we were rewarded with beautiful city views, then back down, which is actually I think trickier than going up.  While we were touring St. Paul's, each person gets a iPhone type device and can guide your own tour around the castle.  They had a family version which I did with the kids- this was a great way to get them to have fun while learning about the Cathedral. Touring has certainly come a long ways from simply reading a pamphlet, or even the audio tour of press a certain number at a certain spot.

With Aunt Emily at the top.

The stairs on the way down. 

After St. Paul's we walked over to the Millenium Bridge, a pedestrian footpath across the Thames.   When Matt and I were here in 1999, they were just building this bridge, as well as the Millenium Dome.  Walking across it, you get some great views of the city. 

Who's that photobomber?

There was a rare moment when we were alone in the middle of the bridge.  Quick, get the camera!

After a bite to eat at Pret a Manger, we decided to go for a long bus ride across London to get to the Natural History Museum.  The bus is my favorite way to see the city.  It can take awhile, but we went all across the city, at no charge, other than our Oyster Card.

The Natural History Museum was on our list to see, mainly for the dinosaurs.  Did you know that most of the museums in London are free?  We went to the British earlier on our trip and today the Natural History, all free. 

Here we are going into the earth.

Checking out the dinosaur fossils. 

Treat stop.  Abby had the dinosaur eggs and ice cream.  John had a milkshake, which was quite terrible.  Why are there some things the British get so wrong???  That, and ice water, impossible to get in England.  And when you can get ice, it is rationed to a couple of cubes per glass.  

Here is John's entry into the contest at our treat stop, create your own dinosaur.

Next up, we headed to Regent's Park to meet Emily's friends, with a quick stop at 221b Baker Street.  Any other detectives know why this is a famous stop?  Use clues and your powers of deduction to help you solve the case... It is the home of Sherlock Holmes.  A fun stop to see.

We had a very nice evening having a picnic in the park and meeting all of Emily's friends.  

A little tag. 

Abby... a little exhausted.

One of our favorite bus routes... "Warren Street."

Abby and John chilaxing in the front seat of the double decker bus.  Always a treat when we can score this spot. 

If you would have told me we would have done all of this in one day, I wouldn't have believed you.  But the kids have been troopers on keeping up and having a good time.  Two more days to go!