Countdown

With only two full days in London remaining, we headed out the door early this morning, list in hand, to tick off some more tourist hot-spots.



First up was a recommendation from Jess Crouch: Churchill's War Rooms. Located underground off King Charles Street, the complex was locked up after the war and left basically intact.

Realistic mannequins really appear to be the original staff who toiled down here.












This complex contained the War Cabinet office, Map Room, offices, kitchen, bedrooms, etc.. This piece of graffiti was drawn, during the war, on one of the large scale maps.



Below is the tiny area, now displayed behind a glass wall, provided the three meals a day that Mr. Churchill enjoyed each day.


This is where his War Cabinet met. Apparently some extremely robust discussions took place but Churchill never overruled his military leaders.


This Marine guard is getting extra assistance, as you can see.





One door concealed a top secret communications room. At the time, many of those working down here had no idea what lay behind it. In fact, the 'engaged' lock convinced many it was the only flush toilet in the whole facility, reserved for the exclusive use of the Prime Minister.




The man behind the image is revealed in the section called The Churchill Museum. A more impressive, comprehensive and entertainingly interactive museum could not be imagined.


Below is a long electronic time-line of his life. We could highlight any year, then any section within that year, to display what was known about Churchill in that particular moment. It was multi-layered, with the year sliding across, to reveal further options beneath.



Various personnel who worked with him during the war years give their recollections on someone who seems to have inspired great loyalty and devotion.


It was a really fascinating place to visit. The former Electrical Switch Room is now a cafe, with the amusing declaration of "NO RATIONING".



Heading back up to street level, we ran into long lines of the Games Volunteers, lining up for the big parade today to celebrate Team Great Britain's nauseating medal count success. These lovely young girls were part of a huge army, male and female, young and old, of every race, who helped make both Games the overwhelming success they were.


We headed to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament again. Crossing the road, we first visited St. Margaret's Church, the parish church of Westminster, where Winston married his beloved Clementine.


We then moved on to the big one: Westminster Abbey, scene of Royal coronations and marriages, plus burial place to many famous figures, like Good Queen Bess, who lies with her half sister Mary, in a side chapel. Poet's corner has names like Wilfred Owen, Byron, Chaucer and Tennyson. Florey and Darwin are elsewhere. I wish we had more time to absorb more of this ancient place.

Outside we were confronted with barriers and police in our way, as we had to weave along side streets toward Leicester Square. On the way we did pass this building below.



We also saw four large horse transport vehicles, no doubt their occupants and riders keeping all that national fervour in check during the parade.



Finding the National Portrait Gallery en route, we ducked inside to hopefully allow those flag waving, intolerably happy crowds to disperse. A gallery worker inside asked if we were excited by the parade. I told her, "No! We are Australian. We are still seething with our lack of success.".

I had heard of a special exhibition of portraits of Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee. It was wonderful, including a series of four by Andy Warhol and one made entirely of tiny images of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Another room had the finalists for the B.P. Portrait Award. Many of these were absolutely incredible works.

Emerging, we were delighted the streets were now navigable. We made our way to the discount ticket area and purchased tickets for a show tomorrow night. After a quick liquid refreshment stop, we wandered to a nearby establishment, another suggestion by Jess. Charing Cross Road is the traditional book-selling area of London and FOYLES BOOKSHOP is a family run, independent business with an amazing variety of stock.

Later, we headed back to our hotel, thankful we did not have to cope with these public transport crowds each day ourselves.



Only one day to go now.