Day 1 still:

After Trafalgar Square, we decided to head back to the Tower of London. So back on the Tube we went. We got there and walked around for a bit. It was almost 9:00 by now and the streets were so quiet! I couldn’t believe how quiet the city was. So much different than the loudness and craziness of NYC.

Tower of London at night.

And then, it was time for the Ceremony of the Keys.

The Ceremony of the Keys was so cool. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any pictures because of copyright reasons, but the experience was incredible. One of the guards greeted us at the door and explained some of the history of the Tower to us. He then walked us down a cobblestone path and four more guards appeared behind him. The first guard explained to us that another guard would come around the corner carrying a lantern and the keys. He then went to the four guards standing in front of us, gave one of them the light and the keys. Then all of them, including the guard that was talking to us, marched back down the cobblestone path and closed all the gates leading into the Tower. They then made their way towards us and turned up a pathway. The main guard turned to us and motioned to follow. We followed through the gate and up a path. At the top of the path was a set of stairs all the guards walked up. Another guard then came out, dressed in full military gear, and blew a horn. Then, they all walked off. I know the explanation doesn’t sound too cool, but I certainly can’t do it justice. It’s just something you have to experience.