London, Days 2-3
Did a lot more walking around yesterday, and then spent the evening watching Spamalot, the musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It was quite funny, although, like the movie, I thought it lost a bit of steam after it was about 2/3 over. I give it a 6… maybe a 6.5.
Today, however, was remarkably interesting as I walked through Hyde Park, saw the touching Diana memorial fountain (which is quite well done), the Albert memorial erected by Queen Victoria, and.. the event which I can only describe as incredible… Speaker’s Corner.
In 1872 (I think, I’m doing this from memory), Parliament established a location within London where free speech was absolute. As long as you did not incite a riot, you could say whatever you wanted. All I can say is that the idea has obviously caught on. I was treated by angry anti-American diatribes (which were interrupted by another “Free Hugs” man who felt that Americans were great and a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which didn’t seem to take the wind out of the old biddy’s sails one bit. She didn’t have much of an argument, she just hated Americans.
I also had the honor of meeting a man who didn’t seem to respond to anyone, but stood under an Israeli flag and sang “Rock of Ages.” There were a variety of (let’s call them non-mainstream) religious views represented, a man who was arguing on behalf of a world government, and a man with a horn on his head and an Arnold t-shirt that read “The Governator” who yelled at the top of his lungs that what the world needed was more beer.
It was awesome. It was a collection of heartfelt views and nutjobs like I had never seen before. I had a blast. Except for one, all of today’s photos are from Speaker’s Corner.
From there we headed to Greenwich, for lunch and to see the Royal Observatory. Lunch was great, and I have now been in a pub, downed a pint, and had fish and chips. Despite the warnings of my father, it was quite good. In keeping with my plan to try new things (especially food) I even ate the peas that came with the chips… not bad.
After that, I did all the touristy stuff that one is supposed to do in Greenwich. I had my picture taken in front of the “official” atomic clock. I had my picture taken straddling the Prime Meridian. I toured the museum that the Observatory has become (because, if you think about the weather… London may not be the best place for astronomical observation).
Upon returning from Greenwich, my sister and I were both beat, so we called it an early evening, called some friends, and am going to bed soon… although the slowest washing machine in the history of mankind may keep my up for a while. 