London - and then home! (posted by Ann)

In London I got to do two fun things this trip - London Eye and the Millenium Bridge.

The London Eye was very cool. It's a huge Ferris wheel with capsules that hold 20 people or so, and it takes 30 minutes to go around so you have plenty of time to see the sights. The Ferris wheel never stops, so you get on and off while it creeps along. I took this video so you can see how slowly it moves.

We had a perfectly timed trip, and the sun set for the perfect photo op. Then we went to a pub and I had cider, which is deceptively alcoholic until you try to walk to the loo, at which time the deception is all over.

Tonight after work I hurried back to the hotel to dump my things, and ran to the tube to get to Millenium Bridge, which is in the latest Harry Potter move. In this picture, you can see London Bridge in the background, then in the far background Tower Bridge.We walked across, and then had dinner at a great pub that is along the river. They have outside tables with the heaters that I always think of as orange grove heaters, and one unique twist. They have a huge bin full of blankets, and if you're cold you can get one. What a great idea!! This is the view from the pub, which is a pretty nice view as you eat your steak and mushroom pie and drink a large bottle of Bullmer's Pear Cider.

Now I get to pack, the car comes at 5am, and I'll be landing in Chicago at 10:30 tomorrow morning. None too soon for me!!