England Day 3 – Sightseeing and Les Mis

We did a self-guided tour of Westminster Abbey, and even found out we could join a short prayer session at the shrine of Edward the Confessor (which you can’t see on normal tours) led by the priest. Most people either don’t know or want to do it, as there were only 13 of us in addition to the priest. (No photos allowed inside.) I also found Anne of Cleves grave marker, which I had missed the first time I came here. Tomorrow we’re returning for Sunday service.

We had a lovely lunch, then had to make our way over to the West End… and here’s where we ran into trouble. There was a huge protest right outside Westminster Abbey, and the roads were blocked off, and the buses weren’t running. We ended up having to walk for 30 minutes to get to our theater. Fortunately, we were able to take it slow and leisurely, and it was actually really nice to skirt through St. James Park.

And then Les Mis! My favorite musical ever. Shelby already loved the music, and about a month ago Skylar had finally watched the movie. They both loved the show today! They were in tears in several places, as was I (every single time I hear the finale, and when Eponine dies, and sometimes just for fun in other parts as the mood hits me.)

After, we strolled through Chinatown and into Covent Garden for dinner at Cichetti’s.

13,632 steps / 5.2 miles walking