London, episode 6. In which I make not my thoughts a prison.

It really is a beautiful bridge, if that can actually be said about a bridge.  (I think it can.)

As you leave Borough Market, nourished and refreshed, and continue ambling along the Queen's Walk, you will find your sight-seeing sights locked onto the historic and magnificent icon of London's skyline you see here.

London's Tower Bridge is still almost a mile away, but as it comes closer and closer and grander and grander into view, that last half mile or so will melt madly away and soon you will be posing for photos like mad.  (Previously pictured was our own touristy photo, the result of a camera exchange with out-of-town Brits.)

Don't go too mad or you'll wind up locked up at the final stop on our (say it like you mean it) "three-hour" all-day walking-and-touring, photo-snapping, and brownie-snacking tour.  Once you cross Tower Bridge back to the North bank of the Thames, you will not be able to miss the magnificently medieval structure known as the Tower of London.

Originally constructed in the late 11th century, the Tower complex has served a variety of roles throughout British history, most notoriously as a prison. Unfortunately, our extensive meanderings and tourings (and snackings) deposited us at the Tower just after the final admission of 5:00 PM, but we did have time to watch the short film and wander around the exterior for a bit (and add a revisit to a future travel list).

An extended London layover in July of 2013 finally gave us the opportunity to revisit the Tower on a Saturday morning, which turned out to be a very popular family activity day, but which also provided ample time to explore the ancient complex and to view some of the special exhibits.

Although my wife is a true history buff, I suspect that one of the main reasons for our visit was because the Tower castle is also home to the Crown Jewels of England and Mari, as you know (and I love), has a particular penchant for the precious (and semi-precious).  She is not alone, as you can see in the photo to the right.  The nearly hour-long queue to enter the exhibit was well worth the wait.

When you visit the site you will find a wealth of information including a calendar of events and loads of historical anecdotes which will make you assuredly add a visit to the Tower of London to your own best-laid travel plans.

hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london

Our day's walk concluded, I had finally been able to cross a great many iconic London locations off my ever-expanding travel list, but the more I crossed off, the more I continued to add as this wondrous city continued to open its welcoming arms to us.

More familiar favorites and a few touristy must-sees next time.