Big Ben--the Clock Tower with Many Names

Big Ben, AKA Elizabeth's Tower, AKA Saint Stephen's Tower, AKA the East Tower--whichever name you prefer--is quite a sight to behold.  Easily one of London's most iconic landmarks, it is breathtaking when viewed in person.  The detail on the building, along with the shimmer of gold when the sun hits it, not to mention just how big it is--if there weren't so many people around, I could have easily spent quite a bit of time there. 

As we headed back to Charing Cross Station, the clouds hid the sunset, but left beautiful colors in its wake.

Beautiful sunset

Buckingham Palace

Aside from Big Ben, Buckingham Palace was one of my favorite places in London.  More specifically, Queen Victoria's memorial statue.  I think I took almost as many pictures of the statue as I did Big Ben, just because it captivated me so.  Pictures really don't capture its size or majesty.

We didn't get the opportunity to watch the changing of the guard.  It occurs every day at 11:00am and we weren't there during that time, which was a bummer--it would have been fun to watch, but wasn't on the top list of priorities.  Our plans for the next day ended up not panning out, so we really could have come back to watch it, but it would have been a rush to get back to Buckingham Palace and we were more interested in exploring more of London.

I love how happy Emily looks