Today was chock full of ceremony, history and walking. We started off with a quick bite to eat at our favorite cafe (cappuccino and a bacon and avocado sandwich? yes please) and then took to the underground to get to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. Note to readers: if you plan on seeing the changing of the guards, be sure to arrive at the palace early. We got there by 10:30 for an 11:30 changing, and were greeted by
thousands of people who had been there for a while. But undetered, we climbed Queen Victoria's monument (across the street from the palace) and took our place in the crowd. The ceremony lasted for a quite a while and had several different moving elements throughout (groups of guards moving in and out of the courtyard, the military marching band, the horse guards). We left the monument a bit early to head to Wellington Barracks so we could position ourselves for the return of the Coldstream Guards and marching band. I'm going to try to post a brief video of the band on my facebook page later on.
thousands of people who had been there for a while. But undetered, we climbed Queen Victoria's monument (across the street from the palace) and took our place in the crowd. The ceremony lasted for a quite a while and had several different moving elements throughout (groups of guards moving in and out of the courtyard, the military marching band, the horse guards). We left the monument a bit early to head to Wellington Barracks so we could position ourselves for the return of the Coldstream Guards and marching band. I'm going to try to post a brief video of the band on my facebook page later on. 
After the procession we hiked over toward Westminster Abbey and stopped for a pint and a bite to eat at the Westminster Arms (which is where I learned that the British enjoy putting butter on their sandwiches... not my favorite, but the beer was good and everyone else loved their meals). Cozy spot, friendly staff and great proximity to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the House of Parliament.
When our bellies were full we crossed the street to the abbey and began our tour. Did you know that there are over 3000 people buried (starting with 17 monarchs whom I shall not name, Geoffrey Chaucer, Dr. Samuel Johnson, Charles Dickins, Robert Browing, Alferd Lord Tennyson, Thomas Harding, Rudyard Kipling, George Frederick Handel, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, a bunch of prime ministers, the unknown warrior, and on and on and on) in the church and cloisters, and over 600 monuments within the buildings? The abbey has been the coronation church of England since 1066 and the church that is present now was established in 1245 by King Henry III. The architecture of Henry's church is striking, with my favorite section being the Lady Chapel.
Nate's commentary: Westminster Abbey? It hasn't been an abbey for over 500 years! People should get around to calling it by its "new" name (given in 1560 by Queen Elizabeth I) The Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster. Geez
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