Today we tried out two different methods of transportation: We took the Thames Clipper from Embankment to Greenwich. For £6.80 we got a 40 minute ride on the Thames with great views along the way. The boat is quite comfortable and stops right at the Cutty Sark. We discovered it while at the Tower of London, since it also stops at Westminster Pier. I’ve found that my curiosity often yields fun surprises.

We took the obligatory picture at the Royal Observatory standing on the prime meridian

(which we were informed is not really the GPS prime meridian–that lies about 100 meters into the park in front of the building. We got lucky because we walked into a building and a lovely volunteer was just beginning a talk on the invention of a reliable chronometer for navigating east and west on the ocean. Of course, Jake stumped the volunteer, who is an astronomer. He asked how they wound the clock without stopping it. since stopping it would make it less accurate. Anyone know?The grounds and the park are beautiful and there are lovely views across the river. Something I didn’t know about, but I’m glad I discovered is the Queen’s House, directly next to the Natioanl Maritime Museum. The house is chock full of amazing art and not all of it is seamen and ships! In fact, the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth by George Gower (this one) hangs there as do portraits of Henry VIII and others.

Greenwich itself is a cute tourist town pubs, restaurants and shops plus a market housing food stalls and random flea market fair. On the way back, we took the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which is overland and offers more lovely views. That completed our tour of all the trains London has to offer except the tram.

For our last hurrah, we saw The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, from the same folks who produce The Play That Goes Wrong, at the Criterion Theatre. Puns, farce, slapstick, and some crazy scene changes and stage trick had us laughing and laughing. It was a great cap to an amazing trip. Tomorrow, we head home.

Cheers, London!