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Day 22: London Thursday, 10th April 2008
Day 2 in London brought us to another museum. This time, it was the British museum. The British museum is one of the most comprehensive in the world, with a collection from all corners of the world (remember how far the British Empire stretched) and spanning from the beginning of civilization to modern art. This was a enormous museum. And it was all free, as museums in London are all free entry!    The Rosetta Stone: the key that deciphered hieroglyphics   Following a lunch at a nearby café, we headed towards the Tower of London. We bought our tickets from the ticketing office, and entered the palace. We were lucky enough to catch the last free guided tour of the day, conducted by a Yeoman Warder, more commonly known as a Beefeater. These are guards of the palace, and they actually live in the compounds with their families. How do they become Yeoman Warders, they need to have served in Her Majesty’s Army, Royal Marines or Royal Airforce for 22 years, reached the rank of Warrant Officer, and hold Long Service and Good Conduct medals. (Not from the navy as members of the Navy take oaths to the Admiralty, not the crown) I’m not sure exactly how much of their original duties of guarding the tower and the crown jewels they actually still do today, but they are undoubtedly today, a tourist attraction in their own right! Yeoman Warder  Traitor's Gate White Tower Original Tudor House: Built by Henry VIII for Ann Boleyn We soon exited the Tower of London to see the famous Tower Bridge.  The day ended with a visit to Covent Garden, where we spent a while watching street buskers plying their trade, at the same time, shuffling constantly to safer positions, not wanting to be grabbed as a volunteer to help in the performace.  Dinner was again in the vicinity of China Town. This time, we had a good Japanese restaurant. It was here that Derrick left us to catch his second musical in two nights.  For the rest of us, as the sky started to turn dark, we headed back, stopping on the way to see Chelsea’s football stadium, Stamford Bridge.  
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